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

Vinyl chloride is a regulated organic contaminant that can occasionally be found in drinking water systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 2 μg/L for this substance to protect public health. Because of its potential risks, managing its presence in water supplies is highly important.

Health Effects

Consuming water containing vinyl chloride poses significant health concerns over time. Exposure to this chemical is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Because of these long-term risks, maintaining concentrations below the regulatory limit is critical for safety.

How Vinyl Chloride Gets Into Tap Water

Vinyl chloride enters drinking water supplies through specific human-made sources. It primarily gets into the water via industrial discharge or by leaching from PVC pipes within the water distribution system. Understanding the local infrastructure and nearby industrial activity can help pinpoint potential exposure risks.

How to Remove Vinyl Chloride From Your Water

Effective water treatment technologies exist to address vinyl chloride contamination. Treatment systems utilizing packed tower aeration are commonly used to remove this organic chemical from water. Additionally, granular activated carbon filtration is another reliable method for reducing its concentration to safe levels.

Should You Test Your Water?

To check for vinyl chloride, you can examine your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search WaterQ for local water quality data. Testing is especially recommended for private well owners located near industrial facilities. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Vinyl Chloride 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.