Ethylbenzene in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
Long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver or kidney effects. Animal studies suggest possible carcinogenic effects. Classified as a possible human carcinogen.
📍 Sources in Water
Found in gasoline and used as a solvent in manufacturing. Enters water from petroleum product spills, underground storage tank leaks, and industrial discharge.
✅ What To Do
Activated carbon filtration is effective. Ethylbenzene has a relatively high MCL and violations are uncommon in community water systems.
Check your tap water for Ethylbenzene
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Ethylbenzene 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.