Asbestos

Asbestos fibers can enter water from deteriorating cement pipes or industrial waste. When ingested, these durable minerals may increase cancer risk over time.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in construction, including water pipes. It can enter drinking water when old asbestos-cement pipes deteriorate or from industrial waste. The EPA measures asbestos in million fibers per liter (MFL) and regulates its presence in public water systems. Asbestos fibers are extremely durable and don't easily break down in water, potentially leading to long-term exposure through ingestion. While health risks are primarily associated with inhalation, the EPA limits asbestos in drinking water as a precautionary measure.

People affected
4.7M
Utilities with this contaminant
85
States with this contaminant
20

Utilities with the highest levels of this contaminant

UtilityService AreasLevelPopulation Served
GE
Germantown Water Dept
Germantown, TN

1.600 mfl

37,993

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NO
Nogales City Of
Nogales, AZ

1.331 mfl

22,000

View
HO
Hoquiam Water Department
Grays Harbor County, WA

1.108 mfl

11,456

View
DE
Dedham Westwood Water Dist.
Dedham, MA

1.000 mfl

41,630

View
BR
Braintree Water And Sewer Dept.
Braintree, MA

1.000 mfl

39,143

View
AS
Ashland Water And Sewer Dept.
Ashland, MA

0.650 mfl

18,832

View
MA
Mandeville Water Supply
St. Tammany Parish County, LA

0.500 mfl

13,000

View
AU
Auburndale, City Of
Auburndale, FL

0.200 mfl

35,239

View
AV
Avenal, City Of
Avenal, CA

0.195 mfl

13,696

View
CI
City Of San Jose - Nsj/Alviso
San Jose, CA

0.175 mfl

37,991

View

Sources