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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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Barium

Maryland American Water Company

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.

 

14

Samples

0

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

0

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

 
YearAverage resultSamples takenDetectionsRange of results
2014ND20ND
2015ND20ND
2016ND30ND
2017ND20ND
2018ND40ND
2019ND10ND

ppb = parts per billion

State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines

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
2014-05-13140513_01_256764ND
2014-05-13140513_02_256716ND
2015-05-1228899901ND
2015-05-1228898301ND
2016-05-1031992701ND
2016-05-1031991601ND
2016-11-30E17002338005ND
2017-05-0935398001ND
2017-05-0935392401_AND
2018-05-1539312801ND
2018-05-1539310301ND
2018-09-18E19000983002ND
2018-09-27E19001117003ND
2019-05-1643893901ND