Barium

California Water Service (CWS) - Selma

Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

MORE ABOUT THIS CONTAMINANT

Samples

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

Year	Average result	Samples taken	Range of results
2014	ND	6	ND
2015	ND	2	ND
2016	ND	6	ND
2017	ND	7	ND
2018	N/A	0	N/A
2019	ND	6	ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

EWG Health Guideline 700 ppb

The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 2,000 ppb

The legal limit for barium, established in 1991, was based on a 10-week study of barium exposure in 11 adult male volunteers. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.

ppb = parts per billion

All test results

Date	Lab ID	Result
2014-02-04	5810-038-1116	ND
2014-04-08	5810-018-1148	ND
2014-04-08	5810-005-1009	ND
2014-07-15	5810-001-0920	ND
2014-10-07	5810-014-1150	ND
2014-10-07	5810-004-1050	ND
2015-10-07	5701-004-1135	ND
2015-10-07	5701-010-1045	ND
2016-01-12	5810-021-1005	ND
2016-01-12	5810-036-1210	ND
2016-04-12	5810-013-0956	ND
2016-05-10	5810-023-1030	ND
2016-07-12	5810-022-1022	ND
2016-08-16	5810-010-1114	ND
2017-02-14	5810-038-1040	ND
2017-04-19	5810-005-0916	ND
2017-04-19	5810-018-1031	ND
2017-07-18	5810-001-1014	ND
2017-08-15	5810-004-0952	ND
2017-08-15	5810-014-1050	ND
2017-10-17	5701-014-1018	ND
2019-01-22	5810-036-1040	ND
2019-01-22	5810-021-1005	ND
2019-04-23	5810-023-1041	ND
2019-04-23	5810-013-1022	ND
2019-07-17	5810-022-0934	ND
2019-08-20	5810-010-1038	ND