Dichloromethane in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

Dichloromethane is an organic chemical compound that can contaminate drinking water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates this contaminant and has established a Maximum Contaminant Level of 5 μg/L. Keeping levels below this threshold is key to ensuring tap water safety.

Health Effects

Exposure to dichloromethane in drinking water is associated with adverse health effects over time. Specifically, it can lead to liver problems and represents an increased risk of cancer. Monitoring and regulating this chemical helps protect consumers from these potential health conditions.

How Dichloromethane Gets Into Tap Water

This organic contaminant primarily enters drinking water resources through industrial processes. The main sources include discharge from drug and chemical factories, as well as general industrial wastewater discharge. Runoff or improper disposal from these facilities can introduce the chemical into water supplies.

How to Remove Dichloromethane From Your Water

Effective water treatment methods are available to remove dichloromethane from drinking water. Treatment systems commonly utilize granular activated carbon or packed tower aeration to reduce concentrations of this organic compound. These processes are standard industry methods for addressing this type of contaminant.

Should You Test Your Water?

You can check for dichloromethane in your water by reviewing your local water utility's consumer confidence report or searching the WaterQ database. Private well owners should consider testing their water periodically through a certified laboratory to verify it is free from organic chemical contaminants. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Dichloromethane 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.