Beryllium
City of Austin Water & Wastewater
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 |
---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
2014 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
2015 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
2016 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
2017 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
2018 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
2019 | ND | 3 | 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 |
---|---|---|
2014-03-10 | AC46167 | ND |
2014-03-10 | AC46166 | ND |
2015-03-23 | AC85573 | ND |
2015-03-23 | AC85569 | ND |
2015-03-23 | AC85568 | ND |
2016-02-25 | AD25632 | ND |
2016-02-25 | AD25616 | ND |
2016-02-25 | AD25621 | ND |
2017-03-09 | AD74282 | ND |
2017-03-14 | AD74858 | ND |
2017-03-14 | AD74859 | ND |
2018-02-06 | AE12413 | ND |
2018-02-06 | AE12412 | ND |
2018-08-02 | AE35465 | ND |
2019-02-07 | AE53397 | ND |
2019-02-07 | AE53398 | ND |
2019-05-07 | AE65078 | ND |