Vanadium is a metal found in soil and rock. It enters water through natural erosion and industrial processes like steel production. High levels may pose health risks.

Vanadium naturally occurs in the Earth's crust and is widely used in industry, particularly in steel production and as a catalyst. It enters drinking water through natural erosion and industrial runoff. While essential in trace amounts for some organisms, high levels may be harmful to humans. The EPA monitors vanadium in water supplies using atomic absorption spectroscopy but has not set regulatory limits due to limited health effect data. Research on its impact on human health is ongoing.