Barium in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Barium is an inorganic chemical element that can sometimes be found in drinking water systems. It is regulated as an inorganic contaminant under federal guidelines. The Environmental Protection Agency has set the Maximum Contaminant Level for barium at 2 mg/L.
Health Effects
Ingesting water with elevated levels of barium can result in negative health effects. The primary health concern associated with exposure to this contaminant is increased blood pressure. Keeping barium levels within the regulated limit helps prevent these cardiovascular impacts.
How Barium Gets Into Tap Water
Barium can enter drinking water supplies from several different sources. It occurs naturally in certain geological deposits and can dissolve into groundwater. Industrial processes, specifically mining and refining operations, are also common sources of this contaminant.
How to Remove Barium From Your Water
Several treatment methods are available to effectively remove barium from water supplies. These include ion exchange systems, reverse osmosis filtration, and lime softening. Utilizing these treatment methods can successfully lower barium concentrations to safe levels.
Should You Test Your Water?
You can check for the presence of barium by reviewing your local utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or searching on WaterQ. Private well owners should have their water tested by a certified laboratory to verify barium levels. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Barium data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barium dangerous in drinking water?
Barium can pose health concerns if it is present in drinking water above the regulatory limit. Specifically, exposure to elevated levels of barium has been linked to increased blood pressure. However, water that meets the federal standard of 2 mg/L is considered safe to drink.
How does Barium get into tap water?
Barium gets into tap water primarily through the erosion of natural underground deposits. It can also contaminate water sources through runoff or waste from mining and refining industries.
How can I remove Barium from my water?
You can remove barium from your water using treatment methods such as ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or lime softening.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.