Perchlorate
Ipswich DPU Water Department
Perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel, occurs both naturally and as a synthetic chemical. Ingested perchlorate interferes with thyroid function. Exposure to perchlorate during pregnancy and childhood can impair cognitive development. Read More.
According to the EPA, perchlorate likely contaminates the water of more than 16 million Americans. Perchlorate interferes with iodine uptake in the thyroid, which can result in reduced thyroid hormones and an impact on metabolism, physical development and cognitive development. Children and developing fetuses are the most at risk from perchlorate contamination.
Perchlorate is the only unregulated contaminant for which the EPA has attempted to set a federal drinking water standard since 1996. However, the agency has yet to propose a draft limit for this contaminant. Perchlorate in drinking water is regulated in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Texas. California set a public health goal of 1 part per billion for perchlorate in 2015.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2014 | 0.200 ppb | 6 | 6 | 0.133 ppb - 0.314 ppb |
| 2015 | 0.176 ppb | 6 | 6 | 0.1000 ppb - 0.304 ppb |
| 2016 | 0.122 ppb | 6 | 5 | ND - 0.283 ppb |
| 2017 | 0.141 ppb | 6 | 6 | 0.0820 ppb - 0.236 ppb |
| 2018 | 0.160 ppb | 6 | 6 | 0.106 ppb - 0.231 ppb |
| 2019 | 0.148 ppb | 6 | 6 | 0.0900 ppb - 0.242 ppb |
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 perchlorate 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 hormone disruption.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 2014-08-05 | 0.134 ppb |
| 2014-08-05 | 0.167 ppb |
| 2014-08-05 | 0.306 ppb |
| 2014-08-05 | 0.133 ppb |
| 2014-08-19 | 0.314 ppb |
| 2014-08-19 | 0.146 ppb |
| 2015-08-03 | 0.1000 ppb |
| 2015-08-03 | 0.192 ppb |
| 2015-08-03 | 0.304 ppb |
| 2015-08-03 | 0.140 ppb |
| 2015-08-03 | 0.132 ppb |
| 2015-09-10 | 0.190 ppb |
| 2016-08-18 | ND |
| 2016-08-18 | 0.130 ppb |
| 2016-08-18 | 0.0980 ppb |
| 2016-08-18 | 0.283 ppb |
| 2016-08-18 | 0.135 ppb |
| 2016-08-18 | 0.0830 ppb |
| 2017-08-15 | 0.236 ppb |
| 2017-08-15 | 0.123 ppb |
| 2017-08-15 | 0.0820 ppb |
| 2017-08-15 | 0.172 ppb |
| 2017-08-15 | 0.144 ppb |
| 2017-08-15 | 0.0910 ppb |
| 2018-08-07 | 0.113 ppb |
| 2018-08-07 | 0.107 ppb |
| 2018-08-07 | 0.224 ppb |
| 2018-08-07 | 0.106 ppb |
| 2018-08-07 | 0.231 ppb |
| 2018-08-07 | 0.177 ppb |
| 2019-08-15 | 0.209 ppb |
| 2019-08-15 | 0.114 ppb |
| 2019-08-15 | 0.111 ppb |
| 2019-08-15 | 0.0900 ppb |
| 2019-08-15 | 0.242 ppb |
| 2019-08-15 | 0.124 ppb |