Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
Dioxin is one of the most toxic substances known. It causes reproductive difficulties and is a known human carcinogen at very low doses. Its MCL of 0.00000003 mg/L (30 parts per quadrillion) is the lowest MCL set by the EPA for any contaminant.
📍 Sources in Water
A byproduct of industrial processes including burning of chlorinated materials, chemical manufacturing, and paper bleaching. Enters water from industrial discharge and contaminated runoff.
✅ What To Do
Dioxin violations in public water systems are extremely rare. Activated carbon filtration can reduce dioxin levels. If you are concerned about dioxin near an industrial site, contact your state environmental agency.
Check your tap water for Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) 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.