Beryllium
Altoona Waterworks
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.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2016 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2017 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
2018 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2019 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
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 |
---|---|---|
2014-06-16 | 797061 | ND |
2014-06-16 | 797063 | ND |
2014-06-16 | 797066 | ND |
2014-06-16 | 797068 | ND |
2014-06-23 | 798471 | ND |
2014-11-17 | 831784 | ND |
2017-03-08 | 976830 | ND |
2017-04-17 | 983475 | ND |
2017-04-17 | 983479 | ND |
2017-07-19 | 1005211 | ND |
2017-07-19 | 1005208 | ND |
2017-07-19 | 1005187 | ND |