Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

UTILITY

Ramsey

location

Ramsey, Minnesota

serves

16,888

source

Groundwater

data

2014-2023

Overview

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Minnesota Department of Health - Environmental Health Division, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (April 2024 - June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Contaminants Detected

Arsenic

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.673 ppb

168x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.004 ppb

Arsenic

Arsenic is a potent carcinogen and common contaminant in drinking water. Arsenic causes thousands of cases of cancer each year in the U.S. Click here to read more about arsenic.

Arsenic was found at 168 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.004 ppb or less

This Utility

0.673 ppb

Legal Limit

10 ppb

National Average

0.624 ppb

State Average

0.344 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.004 ppb for arsenic 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 cancer.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.567 ppb

9.4x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb

Bromodichloromethane

Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromodichloromethane was found at 9.4 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

0.567 ppb

National Average

5.89 ppb

State Average

4 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.817 ppb

2x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.4 ppb

Chloroform

Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chloroform was found at 2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

0.817 ppb

National Average

16.2 ppb

State Average

11.6 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Dichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.633 ppb

3.2x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.2 ppb

Dichloroacetic acid

Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dichloroacetic acid was found at 3.2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.2 ppb or less

This Utility

0.633 ppb

National Average

8 ppb

State Average

5.98 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to reproduction and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.633 ppb

6.3x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 6.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.633 ppb

Legal Limit

60 ppb

National Average

19.8 ppb

State Average

9.74 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.49 ppb

25x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of nine haloacetic acids includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, which are regulated as a group by the federal government (HAA5); and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 25 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

1.49 ppb

National Average

23.7 ppb

State Average

13.2 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for the group of nine haloacetic acids, or HAA9, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level as . This health guideline protects against cancer.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2021.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Manganese

Potential Effect: harm to the brain and nervous system

This Utility: 202.3 ppb

2x

EWG's Health Guideline: 100 ppb

Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.

Manganese was found at 2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

100 ppb or less

This Utility

202.3 ppb

National Average

8.66 ppb

State Average

18.6 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Ion Exchange

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 0.227 ppt

227x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.001 ppt

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Perfluorohexane sulfonate is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) was found at 227 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.001 ppt or less

This Utility

0.227 ppt

Legal Limit

10 ppt

National Average

0.523 ppt

State Average

1.01 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.315 ppt

3.5x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.09 ppt

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was found at 3.5 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.09 ppt or less

This Utility

0.315 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

0.796 ppt

State Average

1.21 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Radium, combined (-226 and -228)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.78 pCi/L

36x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.05 pCi/L

Radium, combined (-226 and -228)

Radium is a radioactive element that causes bone cancer and other cancers. It can occur naturally in groundwater, and oil and gas extraction activities such as hydraulic fracturing can elevate concentrations.

Radium, combined (-226 and -228) was found at 36 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.05 pCi/L or less

This Utility

1.78 pCi/L

Legal Limit

5 pCi/L

National Average

0.33 pCi/L

State Average

1.12 pCi/L

Health Risks

EWG applied the health guideline of 0.05 pCi/L, defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal for radium-226, to radium-226 and radium-228 combined. This health guideline protects against cancer.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2023.

pCi/L = picocuries per liter

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.58 ppb

11x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.15 ppb

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 11 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

1.58 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.1 ppb

State Average

18.1 ppb

Health Risks

The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; radiological contaminants detected between 2018 and 2023.

† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

Barium

This Utility: 84.8 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 700 ppb

Barium

Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

700 ppb or less

This Utility

84.8 ppb

Legal Limit

2,000 ppb

National Average

39.5 ppb

State Average

61.3 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Chlorpyriphos

This Utility: 0.00505 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Chlorpyriphos

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide that has been widely used, but in 2021, application on food crops was banned by the EPA. Exposure to chlorpyrifos during pregnancy and early life harms the developing brain, including reduced IQ, delayed development of motor and sensory functions, and social and behavioral dysfunction.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.00505 ppb

National Average

0.000003 ppb

State Average

0.000081 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Dibromochloromethane

This Utility: 0.200 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Dibromochloromethane

Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.2 ppb

National Average

3.55 ppb

State Average

1.87 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Ethoprop

This Utility: 0.00505 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Ethoprop

Ethoprop is an organphosphate pesticide used on a variety of crops. Exposure to ethoprop can harm the nervous system.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.00505 ppb

National Average

0.000009 ppb

State Average

0.000081 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2021.

ppb = parts per billion

Fluoride

This Utility: 0.585 ppm

No EWG Health Guideline

Fluoride

Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems to prevent cavities and support oral health in people.

In 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its recommendation of an optimal level of 0.7 parts per million, or ppm, added to drinking water based on the health benefits of tooth decay prevention. Studies have shown that fluoride added to community water systems at this level reduces dental cavities, especially in children.

And studies have conclusively shown that fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash can also provide these benefits.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.585 ppm

Legal Limit

4 ppm

National Average

0.49 ppm

State Average

0.674 ppm

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Industry

Treatment Byproducts

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Molybdenum

This Utility: 0.367 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 40 ppb

Molybdenum

Molybdenum is a metal that occurs naturally in soil, minerals and water. People who ingest large amounts can have increased levels of uric acid and gout-like symptoms.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

40 ppb or less

This Utility

0.367 ppb

National Average

1.49 ppb

State Average

1 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 40 ppb for molybdenum was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against metabolic changes and excess formation of uric acid in the blood.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Nitrate

This Utility: 0.00524 ppm

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm

Nitrate

Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

0.14 ppm or less

This Utility

0.00524 ppm

Legal Limit

10 ppm

National Average

0.824 ppm

State Average

0.5 ppm

Health Risks

The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Runoff & Sprawl

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

This Utility: 0.225 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 2,000 ppt

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

2,000 ppt or less

This Utility

0.225 ppt

National Average

0.679 ppt

State Average

0.503 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 2,000 ppt for perfluorobutane sulfonate was defined by EPA’s Human Health toxicity value. This health guideline hormone disruption and harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA)

This Utility: 7.69 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt

Perfluorobutanoic Acid (PFBA)

Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,000 ppt or less

This Utility

7.69 ppt

National Average

1.64 ppt

State Average

27.9 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluorobutanoic acid was defined by EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFHxA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

This Utility: 0.229 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt

Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

Perfluorohexanoic acid is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. Perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,000 ppt or less

This Utility

0.229 ppt

National Average

1.05 ppt

State Average

0.634 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluorohexanoic acid was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)

This Utility: 0.377 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt

Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA)

Perfluoropentanoic Acid (PFPeA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,000 ppt or less

This Utility

0.377 ppt

National Average

1.28 ppt

State Average

0.859 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for PFPeA was defined by EPA's recommended application of the toxicity value for PFHxA published in the Integrated Risk Information System’s toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Permethrin

This Utility: 0.00673 ppb

No EWG Health Guideline

Permethrin

Permethrin is an insecticide used on agricultural crops, but most uses are non-agricultural. It can be applied to residential areas to control mosquitoes and ticks and also used as a bug repellent on clothing, as well as medical applications to treat head lice. Long-term exposure to permethrin may harm the liver.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.00673 ppb

National Average

0.000063 ppb

State Average

0.000108 ppb

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Strontium

This Utility: 0.191 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,500 ppb

Strontium

Strontium is a metal that accumulates in the bones. Radioactive strontium-90 can cause bone cancer and leukemia, and any form of strontium at high doses can harm bone health.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,500 ppb or less

This Utility

0.191 ppb

National Average

0.488 ppb

State Average

0.158 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,500 ppb for strontium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against harm to bones.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

Other Contaminants Tested

Chemicals tested for but not detected:

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Butadiene, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 1,4-Dioxane, 1-butanol, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2-methoxyethanol, 2-propen-1-ol, 3-Hydroxycarbofuran, 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA), Acetone, Alachlor (Lasso), Aldicarb, Aldicarb sulfone, Aldicarb sulfoxide, Aldrin, Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, Altyl chloride, Antimony, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Beryllium, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, Butachlor, Butanoic acid, 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro-4-(trifluoro, Butylated hydroxyanisole, Cadmium, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorate, Chlordane, Chlorodifluoromethane, Chloroethane, Chloromethane, Chromium (hexavalent), Chromium (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, Cobalt, Cyanide, Dalapon, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Dibromoacetic acid, Dibromomethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Dichlorofluoromethane, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Dieldrin, Dimethipin, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide, Germanium, Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Isopropylbenzene, Lindane, m-Dichlorobenzene, Mercury (inorganic), Methomyl, Methoxychlor, Methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Monobromoacetic acid, Monochloroacetic acid, Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene), MTBE, n-Butylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, Naphthalene, Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid, o-Chlorotoluene, o-Dichlorobenzene, o-toluidine, Oxamyl (Vydate), Oxyflurofen, p-Chlorotoluene, p-Dichlorobenzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Pentachlorophenol, Perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid, Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS), Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), Perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS), Picloram, Profenofos, Propachlor, Propanoic acid, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-3-(trifluorome, Quinoline, sec-Butylbenzene, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Tebuconazole, tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), Tetrahydrofuran, Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, Tribufos, Trichloroacetic acid, Trichloroethylene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Trichlorotrifluoroethane, Vanadium, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total)

Find A Filter

Utility: 

Ramsey
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Carbon Filters

FILTERS 8 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+5 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Reduced maintenance

cons

  • Does not remove all contaminants

Reverse Osmosis

FILTERS 10 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+10 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Most effective

cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires more maintenance
  • Wastes water

Other Considerations

Ion Exchange

Pros: Softens hard water, Reduces some contaminants

Cons: Doesn’t remove all contaminants

Whole-House Filters

Pros: Useful for reducing radiologicals and TCE

Cons: Expensive to install and maintain, Risk of bacterial contamination

Distillation

Pros: Removes heavy metals and harmful microbes

Cons: Does not reduce most contaminants

Explore filter options for each contaminant. See which technologies are effective at reducing specific contaminants to help you make an informed decision on the best water treatment solution for your needs.

CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Arsenic
Bromodichloromethane
Chloroform
Dichloroacetic acid
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
Manganese
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Radium, combined (-226 & -228)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Barium
Chlorpyriphos
Dibromochloromethane
Ethoprop
Fluoride
Molybdenum
Nitrate
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)
Permethrin
Strontium