Arsenic in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with arsenic.
EPA Limit (MCL)
10 ppb
EPA Goal (MCLG)
0 ppb
Category
Inorganic
Regulatory values are a concise reference, not legal or medical advice. Confirm the current standard and rule-specific details on EPA.gov.
Health Effects
Skin damage, circulatory problems, increased cancer risk
Common Sources
Natural deposits, runoff from orchards, glass and electronics production
Treatment Considerations for Arsenic
Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Reverse osmosis, distillation. Choose treatment only after a certified water test identifies the substance and concentration; verify NSF/ANSI certification and consult a qualified local professional when needed.
20,905
Historical Violation Records
7,435
Systems With Records
Historical Arsenic Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 2,670 | 1,076 |
| Washington | 2,291 | 1,156 |
| California | 1,765 | 218 |
| Texas | 1,330 | 177 |
| Oregon | 1,278 | 376 |
| Arizona | 1,230 | 386 |
| Connecticut | 1,226 | 176 |
| Alaska | 1,164 | 300 |
| North Carolina | 945 | 613 |
| Ohio | 815 | 415 |
| Illinois | 669 | 119 |
| Utah | 635 | 254 |
| Montana | 552 | 215 |
| Nevada | 477 | 50 |
| Oklahoma | 456 | 97 |
| Iowa | 453 | 274 |
| Colorado | 304 | 154 |
| New Jersey | 292 | 189 |
| Virginia | 238 | 154 |
| New Mexico | 213 | 48 |
Systems With the Most Arsenic Violation Records
EAKLY DEVELOPMENT CORP
RIDGEFIELD PUBLIC WORKS
OLD RIVER WATER COMPANY
Polacca
DIOMEDE JOINT UTILITIES
VALLEY ESTATES
HANFORD, CITY OF
Mishongnovi (Upper Sipaulovi/Upper Mishongnovi)
SAGINAW PARK WATER SYSTEM
Sipaulovi (Lower Sipaulovi/Lower Mishongnovi)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arsenic and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Arsenic can be associated with drinking water through: Natural deposits, runoff from orchards, glass and electronics production.
What reference value does this page show?
The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 10 ppb. Some substances use action levels or rule-specific thresholds instead, so verify the current EPA standard.
Does a historical violation record mean it is in my tap today?
No. A compliance record may be historical or resolved. Use the latest Consumer Confidence Report or a certified test for current local conditions.