Menu

EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

Donate

Beryllium

North Ledge

Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.

 

21

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

19

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
20142.25 ppb442.00 ppb - 3.00 ppb
20151.50 ppb43ND - 2.00 ppb
20162.00 ppb442.00 ppb
20171.50 ppb43ND - 2.00 ppb
20182.00 ppb442.00 ppb
20192.00 ppb112.00 ppb

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 1 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for beryllium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the stomach and intestines.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb

The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date Lab ID Result
2014-02-109502-1582.00 ppb
2014-05-079505-2382.00 ppb
2014-07-162140704982.00 ppb
2014-12-042141201463.00 ppb
2015-01-282150104682.00 ppb
2015-04-07215040205.01ND
2015-08-04215080159.012.00 ppb
2015-12-03215120113.012.00 ppb
2016-02-182160204352.00 ppb
2016-05-232160509362.00 ppb
2016-08-232160810042.00 ppb
2016-11-282161108352.00 ppb
2017-01-252170107082.00 ppb
2017-04-182170405422.00 ppb
2017-07-192170707152.00 ppb
2017-11-27217110815ND
2018-01-24218010550.012.00 ppb
2018-05-24218050978.012.00 ppb
2018-08-14218080624.012.00 ppb
2018-10-24218100948.012.00 ppb
2019-01-22219010656.012.00 ppb