Cadmium in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with cadmium.
EPA Limit (MCL)
5 ppb
EPA Goal (MCLG)
5 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
Kidney damage
Common Sources
Corrosion of galvanized pipes, natural deposits, metal refineries
Treatment Considerations for Cadmium
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.
10,113
Historical Violation Records
6,260
Systems With Records
Historical Cadmium Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 2,098 | 1,065 |
| Washington | 1,879 | 1,099 |
| North Carolina | 910 | 591 |
| Alaska | 678 | 280 |
| Arizona | 475 | 310 |
| Utah | 458 | 247 |
| Ohio | 457 | 343 |
| Oregon | 269 | 225 |
| Connecticut | 261 | 155 |
| New Jersey | 246 | 178 |
| Iowa | 222 | 193 |
| Colorado | 221 | 149 |
| Montana | 195 | 128 |
| West Virginia | 193 | 86 |
| Virginia | 184 | 150 |
| Kentucky | 150 | 91 |
| Texas | 126 | 71 |
| Tennessee | 116 | 84 |
| Puerto Rico | 110 | 87 |
| South Carolina | 96 | 74 |
Systems With the Most Cadmium Violation Records
CASCADE VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
RIDGEFIELD PUBLIC WORKS
PA AMERICAN AUDUBON
SEVEN ESTATES
NOTTINGHAM MANOR M H COURT
HIAWATHA WATER
COAL MOUNTAIN WATER
MOUNT EAGLE WATER ASSOC
WHISPERING PINES MHP
AKHIOK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cadmium and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Cadmium can be associated with drinking water through: Corrosion of galvanized pipes, natural deposits, metal refineries.
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.