Atrazine in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
Long-term exposure above the MCL can cause cardiovascular problems and reproductive system issues. Animal studies suggest possible cancer risk. Atrazine is one of the most commonly detected herbicides in US drinking water.
📍 Sources in Water
One of the most widely applied herbicides in the US, used primarily on corn. Enters water through agricultural runoff and is highly persistent. Levels are highest in spring after application and in Midwestern agricultural watersheds.
✅ What To Do
Activated carbon and reverse osmosis effectively remove atrazine. Levels tend to spike seasonally after application. Check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for average annual levels versus seasonal peaks.
Check your tap water for Atrazine
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Atrazine violations, plus lead testing results and an overall safety grade.
Search your ZIP code →Data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). MCLs reflect minimum federal standards; some contaminants may pose health risks below these thresholds.