Barium
Metropolitan District Commission
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 | ND | 7 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | 8.71 ppb | 7 | 7 | 6.00 ppb - 17.0 ppb |
| 2020 | 7.00 ppb | 7 | 7 | 6.00 ppb - 8.00 ppb |
| 2021 | 6.00 ppb | 1 | 1 | 6.00 ppb |
| 2022 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2023 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-07-18 | AE01630GE | ND |
| 2018-07-18 | AE01632GE | ND |
| 2018-07-18 | AE01640GE | ND |
| 2018-07-18 | AE01641GE | ND |
| 2018-07-18 | AE01637GE | ND |
| 2018-07-18 | AE01636GE | ND |
| 2018-07-18 | AE01631GE | ND |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70736 | 6.00 ppb |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70735 | 9.00 ppb |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70734 | 17.0 ppb |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70733 | 8.00 ppb |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70741 | 7.00 ppb |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70739 | 8.00 ppb |
| 2019-12-03 | CE70740 | 6.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-08 | IOC1 200600637 | 6.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-08 | IOC1 200600611 | 7.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-08 | IOCR 200600614 | 8.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-08 | IOCR 200600615 | 8.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-08 | IOCR 200600616 | 6.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-08 | IOCR 200600617 | 7.00 ppb |
| 2020-12-09 | IOC1 200600603 | 7.00 ppb |
| 2021-11-23 | E300107450 300107454 | 6.00 ppb |
| 2022-12-15 | E300287053 300287057 | ND |
| 2022-12-15 | E300287072 300287076 | ND |
| 2022-12-15 | E300287100 300287104 | ND |