How will I know if Beryllium is in my drinking water?

If the levels of beryllium exceed the MCL, the system must notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV and other means. Additional actions, such as providing alternative drinking water supplies, may be required to prevent serious risks to public health.

This is a factsheet about a chemical that may be found in some public or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Drinking Water Standards:

MCLG: 4 ppb

MCL: 4 ppb

Beryllium Releases to Water and Land, 1987 to 1993 (in pounds):

Water Land

TOTALS 1,314 341,721

Top Five States

PA 653 174,250

OH 490 166,292

MI 5 1,000

TX 0 174

MN 142 0