Beryllium in Drinking Water

Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with beryllium.

EPA Limit (MCL)

4 ppb

EPA Goal (MCLG)

4 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

Intestinal lesions

Common Sources

Discharge from metal refineries, coal-burning factories

Treatment Considerations for Beryllium

Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Activated alumina, ion exchange. 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.

5,348

Historical Violation Records

3,488

Systems With Records

Historical Beryllium Records by State

StateRecordsSystems
Pennsylvania1,114620
Washington888506
North Carolina328272
Montana293182
Alaska275143
Oregon267208
Colorado217143
Connecticut203135
Ohio190159
West Virginia18687
Utah152110
Texas13278
Vermont8767
Virginia8664
Kentucky7154
Arizona7044
Illinois7055
Iowa6965
Missouri5952
Puerto Rico5741

Systems With the Most Beryllium Violation Records

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beryllium and why can it appear in drinking-water records?

Beryllium can be associated with drinking water through: Discharge from metal refineries, coal-burning factories.

What reference value does this page show?

The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 4 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.