Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

Perchlorate

Marion Water Division

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.

Click here to read more about perchlorate.

 

9

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
20180.215 ppb220.134 ppb - 0.295 ppb
20190.197 ppb220.160 ppb - 0.233 ppb
20200.145 ppb220.140 ppb - 0.150 ppb
20210.150 ppb110.150 ppb
20220.150 ppb110.150 ppb
20230.130 ppb110.130 ppb

ppb = parts per billion

State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water

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
2018-08-140.295 ppb
2018-08-140.134 ppb
2019-08-060.233 ppb
2019-08-060.160 ppb
2020-09-150.140 ppb
2020-09-150.150 ppb
2021-08-160.150 ppb
2022-07-260.150 ppb
2023-07-180.130 ppb