What is acceptable ppm for drinking water?

The acceptable level of parts per million (ppm) for drinking water depends on the specific substance being measured. Different contaminants have different maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) set by regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of public water supplies.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets MCLs for various contaminants in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These MCLs represent the maximum permissible level of a substance in public water systems to protect human health.

The MCLs for some common contaminants in drinking water include:

1. Lead: 0.015 ppm

2. Copper: 1.3 ppm

3. Mercury: 0.002 ppm

4. Arsenic: 0.010 ppm

5. Fluoride: 4 ppm

6. Chlorine: 4 ppm

7. Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs): 0.080 ppm

8. Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): 0.060 ppm

TheseMCLs are based on extensive scientific studies and risk assessments conducted by the EPA to ensure that the levels of contaminants in drinking water do not pose a health risk to the general population. MCLs may be revised over time as new scientific information becomes available.