Summary
A report by the Environmental Working Group shows that 29 U.S. states have water utilities with arsenic levels above the legal limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency. California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona have the highest numbers of utilities with unlawful arsenic concentrations. Arsenic is a natural element that can be harmful to human health, even at low levels.
Key Facts
- The EPA's legal limit for arsenic in water is 10 parts per billion (ppb).
- In 29 states, some water utilities exceed this arsenic limit.
- California has 94 water utilities with unlawful arsenic levels, the most of any state.
- Other states with high numbers include Texas (51), Washington (13), and Arizona (12).
- Arsenic is known to cause cancer and other health issues.
- Up to 600 people per million might develop cancer if exposed to arsenic at 10 ppb for a lifetime.
- California's Great Valley has especially high arsenic levels, affecting low-income communities.
- Some utilities in Texas, New Mexico, and Michigan also report arsenic levels above 30 ppb.
