Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are an organic contaminant that can be found in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this contaminant at 0.5 μg/L. Because of its potential health impacts, keeping its levels within safe limits is important for public health.

Health Effects

Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in drinking water can lead to several adverse health impacts, including skin changes and thymus gland problems. Additionally, it may cause immune deficiencies and presents an increased cancer risk. Because of these potential health issues, regulatory standards are designed to keep PCB levels in drinking water as low as possible.

How Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Gets Into Tap Water

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) can enter drinking water supplies from specific sources. The primary ways this contaminant gets into the water are through industrial waste and runoff from landfills. These sources can release PCBs into the environment, which may then contaminate water systems.

How to Remove Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) From Your Water

Water containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) can be treated to reduce its concentration. Granular activated carbon is a treatment method commonly used to filter this contaminant from drinking water. Using these treatment systems helps lower the levels of PCBs in your tap water.

Should You Test Your Water?

To check for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in your water, you can review your local water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or use the WaterQ search tool. If you rely on a private well near industrial areas or landfills, periodic testing through a certified laboratory is recommended. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 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.