Thallium in Drinking Water

Reference information plus historical EPA compliance records associated with thallium.

EPA Limit (MCL)

2 ppb

EPA Goal (MCLG)

0.5 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

Hair loss, kidney, intestine, liver problems

Common Sources

Electronics, drugs, alloys, glass manufacturing

Treatment Considerations for Thallium

Commonly cited treatment approaches include: Ion exchange, 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.

10,442

Historical Violation Records

6,403

Systems With Records

Historical Thallium Records by State

StateRecordsSystems
Pennsylvania2,0721,028
Washington1,6641,087
North Carolina919606
Alaska659279
Arizona495324
Ohio464347
Utah456245
Oregon267227
Colorado267171
New Jersey262182
Texas26096
Connecticut253152
Iowa231196
Montana204134
Virginia187150
West Virginia18386
California17353
Kentucky13287
Kansas12248
Tennessee11786

Systems With the Most Thallium Violation Records

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Thallium can be associated with drinking water through: Electronics, drugs, alloys, glass manufacturing.

What reference value does this page show?

The summarized EPA Maximum Contaminant Level is 2 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.