Glyphosate 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 kidney problems and reproductive difficulties. The MCL has a significant safety margin above levels that cause effects in animal studies. The carcinogenic classification of glyphosate is debated among regulatory agencies.
📍 Sources in Water
Glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) is the most widely used herbicide in the world. It enters water from agricultural runoff. Residues are found in some surface water, especially in agricultural areas.
✅ What To Do
MCL exceedances are uncommon in community water systems. Activated carbon and reverse osmosis can reduce glyphosate levels if concerned.
Check your tap water for Glyphosate
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Glyphosate 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.