Barium in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
Short-term exposure above the MCL can cause muscle weakness, swelling in the brain, and damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Long-term exposure is associated with elevated blood pressure.
📍 Sources in Water
Barium occurs naturally in rock formations and is used industrially in drilling muds, paint, glass, and rubber. It enters water through natural dissolution from rock and from industrial discharges.
✅ What To Do
Ion exchange or reverse osmosis filters can reduce barium levels. Check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for measured levels. Contact your utility if you have concerns.
Check your tap water for Barium
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Barium 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.