Beryllium
Portsmouth Water Works
Beryllium is a toxic metal that is both naturally occurring and released into the environment from industrial pollution and incineration. Beryllium can damage lungs, bones and the digestive system.
Testing results - average by year
Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2015 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2016 | ND | 7 | 0 | ND |
2017 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
2019 | ND | 7 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 1 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 1 ppb for beryllium was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against harm to the stomach and intestines.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 4 ppb
The legal limit for beryllium, established in 1992, was based on a toxicity study in laboratory animals published in 1970. This limit does not include any additional consideration of children’s health.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
Date | Lab ID | Result |
---|---|---|
2016-02-03 | B600549002 | ND |
2016-02-03 | B600549004 | ND |
2016-02-03 | B600549006 | ND |
2016-02-08 | B600586002 | ND |
2016-02-08 | B600586004 | ND |
2016-02-08 | B600586006 | ND |
2016-08-18 | B607708002 | ND |
2018-02-08 | 43406-003 | ND |
2019-01-29 | 1901-02586-001 | ND |
2019-01-29 | 1901-02590-001 | ND |
2019-01-29 | 1901-02592-001 | ND |
2019-01-29 | 1901-02593-001 | ND |
2019-01-29 | 1901-02599-001 | ND |
2019-08-15 | 1908-02443-001 | ND |
2019-08-21 | 1908-03143-001 | ND |