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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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Xylenes (total)

Waialee-sunset Beach

Xylenes are solvents used in industrial and consumer products, such as cleaning agents and paint thinners. Xylenes cause nervous system damage and may harm developing fetuses.

 

16

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2014ND40ND
2015ND20ND
2016ND20ND
2017ND40ND
2018ND30ND
2019ND10ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 1,800 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,800 ppb for xylenes 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 brain and nervous system.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 10,000 ppb

The legal limit for xylenes, established in 1991, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals conducted in the 1980s. This limit may not fully protect against harm to the brain and nervous system due to xylene exposure.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date Lab ID Result
2014-02-19201402210361ND
2014-02-20201402220088ND
2014-07-21201407230664ND
2014-07-21201407230666ND
2015-01-29201501300117ND
2015-04-28201504300075ND
2016-01-13ND
2016-07-05ND
2017-01-04ND
2017-02-23ND
2017-10-10ND
2017-10-31ND
2018-01-09201712280239ND
2018-04-25201804300496ND
2018-08-13201808160452ND
2019-02-19201902210382ND