Beryllium
Santa Maria Water Department
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.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2016 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
2017 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2018 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2019 | ND | 5 | 0 | ND |
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 |
---|---|---|
2014-03-04 | 3761-004-0730 | ND |
2016-03-01 | 3761-013-0540 | ND |
2016-04-05 | 3761-014-0530 | ND |
2016-06-15 | 3761-006-0728 | ND |
2016-09-07 | 3761-009-0655 | ND |
2016-09-07 | 3761-010-0615 | ND |
2016-09-07 | 3761-011-0550 | ND |
2017-08-15 | 3761-012-0602 | ND |
2019-03-05 | 3761-013-1015 | ND |
2019-04-02 | 3761-014-1120 | ND |
2019-09-10 | 3761-009-0716 | ND |
2019-09-10 | 3761-010-0815 | ND |
2019-09-10 | 3761-011-0740 | ND |