Water

OEHHA performs major risk assessment and hazard evaluation activities relating to chemical contaminants in drinking water. These activities include developing health advisories, Public Health Goals for chemical substances in drinking water, Notification Levels, and providing toxicological assistance for chemical monitoring activities for the drinking water supply. The program also provides education to the public and other governmental agencies on drinking water contamination and drinking water regulatory standards development.

Public Health Goals

Level of a chemical contaminant in drinking water that does not pose a significant risk to health

Notices

Legal notices for Public Health Goals and Notification Levels

Notification Levels

Health-based advisory levels for chemicals in drinking water

Reports

Reports focusing on water

Human Right to Water

OEHHA’s assessment framework and data tool related to drinking water quality, accessibility, and affordability

Reports, Notices, Documents

The PHG for benzo(a)pyrene is established at 0.007 parts per billion (ppb), based on carcinogenic effects in rats and mice. The PHG for methoxychlor is established at 0.09 ppb, based on effects in male offspring of female mice treated with methoxychlor during pregnancy. The PHG for TCDD is established at 0.00005 parts per trillion (ppt), based on tumors in multiple sites in female rats.

OEHHA announces a second public comment period for the draft Public Health goals for trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water.

Draft technical support documents for proposed Public Health Goals (PHGs) for benzo(a)pyrene and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in drinking water

2010 Initiation of risk assessments for chemicals in drinking water for: ethylbenzene and xylene.

Draft technical support documents for proposed Public Health Goals (PHGs) for methoxychlor and selenium in drinking water