Asbestos in Drinking Water

The Safe Drinking Water Act, passed by Congress in 1974, requires the EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water. These non-enforceable parameters, based on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG).

The asbestos MCLG has been set at 7 million fibers per liter of water (M.L.) because EPA believes this level will not cause potential health problems like asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Based on the MCLG, EPA has set an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as possible, considering the ability of public water systems to detect and remove contaminants.

The MCL of asbestos has also been set at 7 M.L. because the EPA believes, given current technology and resources, that this is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to remove this contaminant should it occur in drinking water.

These drinking water standards and the related regulations are called National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. All public water utilities must abide by these regulations.

Contact LA Asbestos Testing Lab to learn more.