Selenium in Drinking Water
Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with selenium.
EPA Limit (MCL)
50 ppb
EPA Goal (MCLG)
50 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
Hair or fingernail loss, numbness, circulatory problems
Common Sources
Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries, natural deposits
Treatment Considerations for Selenium
Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Reverse osmosis, activated alumina. 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.
9,962
Historical Violation Records
6,300
Systems With Records
Historical Selenium Records by State
| State | Records | Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 2,057 | 1,027 |
| Washington | 1,709 | 1,119 |
| North Carolina | 904 | 595 |
| Alaska | 691 | 286 |
| Arizona | 483 | 325 |
| Utah | 456 | 247 |
| Ohio | 455 | 341 |
| Oregon | 267 | 225 |
| Connecticut | 265 | 156 |
| New Jersey | 261 | 183 |
| Iowa | 221 | 193 |
| Colorado | 210 | 146 |
| Montana | 201 | 132 |
| West Virginia | 199 | 92 |
| Virginia | 187 | 150 |
| Puerto Rico | 141 | 91 |
| Kentucky | 129 | 86 |
| Texas | 124 | 69 |
| Tennessee | 117 | 88 |
| South Carolina | 94 | 73 |
Systems With the Most Selenium Violation Records
RIDGEFIELD PUBLIC WORKS
PA AMERICAN AUDUBON
SEVEN ESTATES
PONCE URBANO
COAL MOUNTAIN WATER
HIAWATHA WATER
NOTTINGHAM MANOR M H COURT
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP MUA
MOUNT EAGLE WATER ASSOC
AKHIOK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Selenium and why can it appear in drinking-water records?
Selenium can be associated with drinking water through: Discharge from petroleum and metal refineries, natural deposits.
What reference value does this page show?
The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 50 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.