Benzene in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with benzene.
EPA Limit (MCL)
5 ppb
EPA Goal (MCLG)
0 ppb
Category
Organic
Regulatory values are a concise reference, not legal or medical advice. Confirm the current standard and rule-specific details on EPA.gov.
Health Effects
Anemia, decrease in blood platelets, increased cancer risk
Common Sources
Discharge from factories, leaching from gas storage tanks
Treatment Considerations for Benzene
Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Granular activated carbon. 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.
8,000
Historical Violation Records
3,767
Systems With Records
Historical Benzene Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1,853 | 741 |
| Washington | 919 | 368 |
| Oregon | 574 | 318 |
| Alaska | 552 | 121 |
| Ohio | 370 | 238 |
| Connecticut | 353 | 182 |
| West Virginia | 315 | 106 |
| Montana | 300 | 185 |
| Oklahoma | 291 | 72 |
| Utah | 250 | 127 |
| Arizona | 232 | 55 |
| Colorado | 227 | 143 |
| Puerto Rico | 216 | 91 |
| North Carolina | 212 | 137 |
| Illinois | 185 | 106 |
| New Mexico | 114 | 33 |
| Texas | 103 | 57 |
| Kentucky | 101 | 74 |
| Iowa | 87 | 72 |
| Alabama | 80 | 62 |
Systems With the Most Benzene Violation Records
COAL MOUNTAIN WATER
MARBLE WATER SYSTEM
WARMINSTER MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
PINNACLE WATER ASSOCIATION
SUNRISE LAKES SEC 12
TUCSON CITY OF
COXVILLE WATER ASSN #1
TRAILS WEST SUBDIVISION
LEWIS CO WATER DIST #2
ROCK CREEK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benzene and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Benzene can be associated with drinking water through: Discharge from factories, leaching from gas storage tanks.
What reference value does this page show?
The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 5 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.