Barium
Danbury Water Department
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.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 19.0 ppb | 4 | 4 | 14.0 ppb - 26.0 ppb |
| 2019 | 16.8 ppb | 5 | 5 | 12.0 ppb - 20.0 ppb |
| 2020 | 12.0 ppb | 4 | 4 | 11.0 ppb - 13.0 ppb |
| 2021 | 15.5 ppb | 4 | 4 | 12.0 ppb - 19.0 ppb |
| 2022 | 15.0 ppb | 4 | 4 | 10.00 ppb - 20.0 ppb |
| 2023 | 10.00 ppb | 4 | 2 | ND - 20.0 ppb |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-04-12 | 212690GE | 26.0 ppb |
| 2018-04-12 | 212687GE | 19.0 ppb |
| 2018-10-12 | IOC1 200508940 | 14.0 ppb |
| 2018-10-12 | IOC1 200508939 | 17.0 ppb |
| 2019-04-11 | IOC1 200528182 | 19.0 ppb |
| 2019-04-11 | IOC1 200528181 | 12.0 ppb |
| 2019-04-11 | IOCR 200528185 | 13.0 ppb |
| 2019-04-11 | IOCR 200528187 | 20.0 ppb |
| 2019-05-16 | IOCR 200532591A | 20.0 ppb |
| 2020-08-20 | IOCR 200587329 | 13.0 ppb |
| 2020-08-20 | IOCR 200587327 | 12.0 ppb |
| 2020-08-20 | IOC1 200587328 | 11.0 ppb |
| 2020-08-20 | IOC1 200587330 | 12.0 ppb |
| 2021-04-15 | IOC1 200613297 | 18.0 ppb |
| 2021-04-15 | IOC1 200613295 | 13.0 ppb |
| 2021-04-15 | IOCR 200613294 | 12.0 ppb |
| 2021-04-15 | IOCR 200613296 | 19.0 ppb |
| 2022-06-07 | 287329 | 20.0 ppb |
| 2022-06-07 | 287325 | 10.00 ppb |
| 2022-06-07 | 287323 | 10.00 ppb |
| 2022-06-07 | 287327 | 20.0 ppb |
| 2023-01-12 | 304532 | 20.0 ppb |
| 2023-01-12 | 304533 | 20.0 ppb |
| 2023-05-15 | N3E0590-02PPS | ND |
| 2023-05-15 | N3E0590-01PPS | ND |