Barium in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with barium.
EPA Limit (MCL)
2000 ppb
EPA Goal (MCLG)
2000 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
Increase in blood pressure
Common Sources
Discharge of drilling wastes, metal refineries, natural deposits
Treatment Considerations for Barium
Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Ion exchange, reverse osmosis. 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.
10,061
Historical Violation Records
6,268
Systems With Records
Historical Barium Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 2,117 | 1,029 |
| Washington | 1,697 | 1,111 |
| North Carolina | 926 | 603 |
| Alaska | 660 | 278 |
| Arizona | 469 | 313 |
| Ohio | 461 | 345 |
| Utah | 449 | 239 |
| Oregon | 263 | 219 |
| Connecticut | 252 | 147 |
| New Jersey | 250 | 175 |
| Iowa | 224 | 195 |
| Colorado | 219 | 152 |
| Montana | 200 | 131 |
| West Virginia | 194 | 89 |
| Illinois | 188 | 102 |
| Virginia | 180 | 150 |
| Kentucky | 148 | 92 |
| Texas | 126 | 72 |
| Tennessee | 119 | 85 |
| Puerto Rico | 100 | 77 |
Systems With the Most Barium Violation Records
RIDGEFIELD PUBLIC WORKS
GLEN CAMPBELL WATER WORKS
MEADOW BROOK M H P
FITZGERALD
PA AMERICAN AUDUBON
SEVEN ESTATES
HIAWATHA WATER
NOTTINGHAM MANOR M H COURT
COAL MOUNTAIN WATER
MOUNT EAGLE WATER ASSOC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barium and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Barium can be associated with drinking water through: Discharge of drilling wastes, metal refineries, natural deposits.
What reference value does this page show?
The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 2000 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.