Organic Low Risk
Benzene
Increased risk of cancer, anemia
Sources: Industrial discharge, Leaking gasoline tanks
Regulatory Limit
Zero EPA Limit (5 μg/L)
*Levels above the EPA limit are considered unsafe.
MCL Value
5 μg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0 μg/L
Violating Systems
6 nationwide
Affected Population
19.8M estimated
Avg Detected Level
2.8445 μg/L in affected systems
Health Risk Assessment
Exposure to Benzene in drinking water is regulated because of its potential to cause increased risk of cancer, anemia. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 5 μg/L to protect public health.
Note: Long-term exposure above the MCL can significantly increase health risks.
Detailed Health Effects
Increased risk of cancer, anemia
Common Sources
1
Industrial discharge 2
Leaking gasoline tanks National Overview
Total Tests
55
Violations Found
6
Violation Rate
10.9%
Top States by Violations
Most Affected Systems
93
Dover Water Department
A DE0000258 Dover, DE
39,403 served
81
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
B CA1910099 Los Angeles, CA
19,000,000 served
77
City of Billings Public Utilities
B MT0000603 Billings, MT
119,510 served
65
Erie Water Works
C PA2510001 Erie, PA
101,786 served
77
St. Paul Regional Water Services
B MN6210001 St. Paul, MN
311,527 served
61
City of Tacoma Water
C WA2710001 Tacoma, WA
219,346 served
Treatment Methods
Granular activated carbon
Packed tower aeration
Is this in your water?
Find out if your local water system has detected Benzene.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Benzene and why is it in drinking water?
Benzene is a organic contaminant. Common sources include: Industrial discharge, Leaking gasoline tanks.
What are the health effects of Benzene in drinking water?
Increased risk of cancer, anemia
What is the EPA limit for Benzene?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Benzene is 5 μg/L.
How can I remove Benzene from my water?
Effective treatment methods for removing Benzene include: Granular activated carbon, Packed tower aeration.
How do I test my water for Benzene?
You can check your water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for Benzene levels, or use a certified home water testing kit. WaterQ provides the latest EPA test data for all public water systems.