1,4-Dioxane in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

1,4-Dioxane is a water contaminant belonging to the organic category. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this substance in drinking water is set at 35 μg/L.

Health Effects

Exposure to 1,4-Dioxane in drinking water is associated with serious long-term health effects. The primary concern with this organic contaminant is an increased risk of cancer.

How 1,4-Dioxane Gets Into Tap Water

1,4-Dioxane enters the drinking water supply primarily through industrial solvent contamination and manufacturing. These industrial processes release the contaminant, allowing it to migrate into groundwater and surface water sources.

How to Remove 1,4-Dioxane From Your Water

Removing 1,4-Dioxane from drinking water requires specific purification technologies. Advanced oxidation and reverse osmosis are the recognized treatment methods capable of reducing the levels of this contaminant.

Should You Test Your Water?

To determine if 1,4-Dioxane is in your water, you can review your local water utility's annual consumer confidence report or use the WaterQ search tool. Well owners can also have their water tested by a certified laboratory. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the 1,4-Dioxane data page for reported levels in your area.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.