National Drinking Water Database
National Drinking Water Database - Chemical Contaminants
m- & p- Xylene
Status: Regulated - EPA has established a maximum legal limit in tapwater for this contaminant.
Xylene is a petroleum-derived solvent used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries, and as a cleaning agent, a thinner for paint, and an ingredient in paints and varnishes.
Detected |
Found above health guidelines |
Found above legal limit |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| States | 15 |
- |
- |
| Water utilities | 738 |
- |
- |
| People Served | 11,298,000 |
- |
- |
m- & p- Xylene Exposure by State
Water utilities in 15 states have reported detecting m- & p- Xylene in treated tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies.
| State | Water Suppliers with m- & p- Xylene contamination | |
|---|---|---|
| Systems | Population | |
| Texas | 185 | 4,629,149 |
| California | 38 | 2,593,592 |
| Minnesota | 253 | 1,850,283 |
| Nebraska | 28 | 802,832 |
| Missouri | 106 | 422,634 |
| Delaware | 19 | 261,374 |
| New York | 11 | 226,464 |
| Washington | 16 | 199,734 |
| Arkansas | 59 | 185,379 |
| Rhode Island | 3 | 101,799 |
| Alaska | 8 | 16,719 |
| Nevada | 3 | 6,038 |
| Virginia | 5 | 965 |
| Vermont | 1 | 760 |
| Maine | 3 | 278 |
| Total | 738 | 11,298,000 |
The Most Polluted Communities
738 water utilities reported detecting m- & p- Xylene in tap water since 2004, according to EWG's analysis of water quality data supplied by state water agencies
Ranked by highest average m- & p- Xylene level
| Rank | System | Population Served | Positive test results of total reported tests | Average Level (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eol Wsc Axtell, TX | 1,632 | 1 of 1 | 34.5 ppb (34.5 ppb) |
| 2 | Nsbu - Nuiqsut Barrow, AK | 433 | 1 of 1 | 31.2 ppb (31.2 ppb) |
| 3 | Marietta Marietta, MN | 174 | 1 of 1 | 26 ppb (26 ppb) |
| 4 | Beards Cove Shelton, WA | 1,030 | 1 of 2 | 19.35 ppb (0 to 38.7 ppb) |
| 5 | Grand Meadow Grand Meadow, MN | 945 | 3 of 4 | 15.7 ppb (0 to 41 ppb) |
| 6 | Country Meadows Glen Rose, TX | 120 | 1 of 1 | 15.43 ppb (15.43 ppb) |
| 7 | Cooper County Pwsd #3 Blackwater, MO | 160 | 1 of 1 | 14.71 ppb (14.71 ppb) |
| 8 | South Hero Fire District 4 South Hero, VT | 760 | 2 of 2 | 13.3 ppb (11.6 to 15 ppb) |
| 9 | Glenshores Water Co Laguna Park, TX | 81 | 1 of 1 | 13 ppb (13 ppb) |
| 10 | Yancey Wsc Yancey, TX | 4,731 | 1 of 1 | 10.22 ppb (10.22 ppb) |
Health Based Limits for m- & p- Xylene
| Standard | Description | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Contaminant Limit (MCL) | The enforceable standard which defines the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to health-based limits (Maximum Contaminant Level Goals, or MCLGs) as feasible using the best available analytical and treatment technologies and taking cost into consideration. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 10000 ppb |
| Maximum Contaminant Limit Goal (MCLG) | A non-enforceable health goal that is set at a level at which no known or anticipated adverse effect on the health of persons occurs and which allows an adequate margin of safety. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. | 10000 ppb |
Testing Summary for m- & p- Xylene
| Are tests routinely required for m- & p- Xylene by federal law? | Yes |
| Water suppliers reporting tests for m- & p- Xylene (2004-2009): | 10,755 of 47,576 |
| Average testing rate for water supplier reporting tests (2004-2009): | 0.6 per year |