Barium
Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority
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.
7
Samples
0
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
0
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 | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2015 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2016 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2017 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | 40.9 ppb | 1 | 1 | 40.9 ppb |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-03-06 | 03140350 | ND |
| 2015-03-12 | 12578173 | ND |
| 2016-03-17 | 14048615 | ND |
| 2016-09-29 | 15004791 | ND |
| 2017-07-20 | 16497706 | ND |
| 2018-11-07 | 18K0895-01 | ND |
| 2019-08-21 | 19H2457-01 | 40.9 ppb |