Beryllium

Bethesda WSC

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.

MORE ABOUT THIS CONTAMINANT

Samples

Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)

Samples exceeding
health guidelines

Testing results - average by year

Year	Average result	Samples taken	Range of results
2013	N/A	0	N/A
2014	N/A	0	N/A
2015	N/A	0	N/A
2016	ND	15	ND
2017	ND	3	ND
2018	N/A	0	N/A
2019	ND	9	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
2016-02-17	Q1607184007	ND
2016-02-17	Q1607184006	ND
2016-03-21	Q1611365002	ND
2016-04-20	Q1615721010	ND
2016-04-20	Q1615721009	ND
2016-04-20	Q1615721008	ND
2016-10-20	Q1644787015	ND
2016-10-20	Q1644787019	ND
2016-10-20	Q1644787014	ND
2016-10-20	Q1644787018	ND
2016-10-20	Q1644787013	ND
2016-11-08	Q1648213001	ND
2016-11-08	Q1648213003	ND
2016-11-08	Q1648213002	ND
2016-11-08	Q1648213042	ND
2017-01-31	Q1704122018	ND
2017-01-31	Q1704122017	ND
2017-10-17	Q1753293029	ND
2019-01-15	Q1901990010	ND
2019-01-15	Q1901990009	ND
2019-01-15	Q1901990008	ND
2019-04-11	Q1914886021	ND
2019-04-11	Q1914886020	ND
2019-04-11	Q1914886019	ND
2019-04-11	Q1914886018	ND
2019-04-11	Q1914886017	ND
2019-10-07	Q1971784001	ND