Methylene Chloride in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
Long-term exposure causes liver damage and increased cancer risk. Methylene chloride metabolizes in the body to carbon monoxide, which can cause adverse cardiovascular effects.
📍 Sources in Water
Used as a paint stripper, metal degreaser, and pharmaceutical manufacturing solvent. Enters water from industrial discharge and improper waste disposal near water sources.
✅ What To Do
Activated carbon and reverse osmosis can remove methylene chloride. Violations in public water systems are uncommon.
Check your tap water for Methylene Chloride
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Methylene Chloride 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.