Trichloroethylene in Drinking Water
Organic Chemical · MCL: 5 ppb · 0 systems exceeding limit
Overview
Trichloroethylene is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with an MCL of 5 ppb. The EPA Safe Drinking Water program sets and enforces the maximum contaminant levels shown here.
Health Effects
Exposure to Trichloroethylene above the MCL of 5 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Sources of Contamination
Trichloroethylene can enter drinking water from natural deposits, industrial discharges, or other sources.
Treatment & Removal
Treatment methods for Trichloroethylene include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and specialized media.
How to Remove Trichloroethylene From Water
These filtration methods are effective for reducing Trichloroethylene in drinking water:
| Filter Method | Effectiveness | Cost Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | High (varies) | $200-500 (under-sink) | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Activated Carbon Block | Moderate (varies) | $30-100 (pitcher/faucet) | NSF/ANSI 53 |
Reverse Osmosis (RO), details
Reverse osmosis is effective against most dissolved contaminants. Check specific certifications for this contaminant.
Activated Carbon Block, details
Effectiveness varies by contaminant. Look for filters specifically certified for this substance.
Water Systems with Trichloroethylene Detected
Tucson City Of
Tucson, Arizona
Mesa City Of
Mesa, Arizona
Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Mobile, Bd. Of W&s Comm. Of the City Of
Mobile, Alabama
Gilbert, Town Of
Gilbert, Arizona
Chandler City Of
Chandler, Arizona
Provo City
Provo, Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
Trichloroethylene has been detected in 0 water systems that exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 ppb, affecting approximately 0 people. Check your local water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search by ZIP code on this site.
Exposure to Trichloroethylene above the MCL of 5 ppb may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Effective filtration methods for Trichloroethylene include Reverse Osmosis (RO), Activated Carbon Block. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Trichloroethylene removal. See the detailed comparison table above for effectiveness ratings and cost ranges.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Trichloroethylene is 5 ppb. The MCL Goal (MCLG), the level with no known health risk, is 0 ppb. Water systems must test regularly and notify customers if levels exceed the MCL.