Beryllium
Philadelphia Water Department
Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.
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 | ND | 12 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | ND | 9 | 0 | ND |
| 2016 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
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 beryllium 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 harm to the stomach and intestines.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb
The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-01-07 | DW140107-003 | ND |
| 2014-01-07 | DW140107-001 | ND |
| 2014-01-07 | DW140107-002 | ND |
| 2014-04-08 | DW140408-003 | ND |
| 2014-04-08 | DW140408-002 | ND |
| 2014-04-08 | DW140408-001 | ND |
| 2014-07-08 | DW140708-004 | ND |
| 2014-07-08 | DW140708-002 | ND |
| 2014-07-08 | DW140708-001 | ND |
| 2014-10-07 | DW141007-040 | ND |
| 2014-10-07 | DW141007-013 | ND |
| 2014-10-07 | DW141007-021 | ND |
| 2015-01-06 | 12292005 | ND |
| 2015-01-06 | 12292003 | ND |
| 2015-01-06 | 12292004 | ND |
| 2015-04-07 | 12637806 | ND |
| 2015-04-07 | 12637805 | ND |
| 2015-04-07 | 12637804 | ND |
| 2015-10-06 | 13394071 | ND |
| 2015-10-06 | 13394072 | ND |
| 2015-10-06 | 13394070 | ND |
| 2016-10-04 | 15082285 | ND |
| 2016-10-04 | 15082286 | ND |
| 2016-10-04 | 15082287 | ND |
| 2017-10-03 | 16886161 | ND |
| 2017-10-03 | 16886162 | ND |
| 2017-10-03 | 16886163 | ND |
| 2018-10-16 | DW181016-041 | ND |
| 2018-10-16 | DW181016-020 | ND |
| 2018-10-16 | DW181016-011 | ND |
| 2019-10-08 | DW191008-039 | ND |
| 2019-10-08 | DW191008-020 | ND |
| 2019-10-08 | DW191008-011 | ND |