127 records
What is the EPA human health water quality criterion for this pollutant?
Across 127 records, publication Year runs from 1980 (2 pollutant names) to 2019 (2 pollutant names), and 2015 is the most common — 94 of them. Every value is transcribed from the source that states it and carries the sentence it was taken from: 1 source across 1 site, last checked 2026-10-28, due for re-check by 2028-09-14. Every record is listed below, each linking the page its value came from.
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About this data
EPA Section 304(a) recommended human health ambient water quality criteria for 127 pollutants. For each pollutant: the CAS number, the 'water + organism' threshold in µg/L (for waters that are both a drinking-water source and support aquatic life), the 'organism only' threshold (for waters not used as drinking-water sources), the year EPA published that pollutant's criterion, and EPA's own note on the criterion where the table carries one. The publication year is worth reading before the number is used: it runs from 1980 to 2019, so two values sitting in the same column can be nearly four decades apart in vintage, and seven rows carry no criterion at all (an em dash), three of them draft PFAS entries. The note is where EPA says what the number means — most often that the criterion is set at a one-in-a-million (10-6) cancer risk and that the decimal point may be moved for a different risk level, or that EPA has also issued an enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level for the same pollutant, or that the organoleptic (taste and odour) criterion may be stricter than the health one. These are recommendations for states adopting water quality standards, NOT enforceable MCLs (which are in drinking-water-contaminant-limits). Used by environmental consultants writing NPDES permits, state agencies setting water quality standards, and industrial dischargers determining compliance. Note: this is a mirror of one EPA table. The stronger juxtaposition version comparing EPA recommended values with state-adopted criteria would not be a mirror, because states adopt different numbers for the same pollutant.
The data
| Pollutant name | CAS Registry Number | Water + Organism criterion (µg/L) | Organism Only criterion (µg/L) | Publication Year | EPA note on this criterion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (P) | 71556 | 10,000 | 200,000 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane (P) | 79345 | 0.2 | 3 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| 1,1,2-Trichloroethane (P) | 79005 | 0.55 | 8.9 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 1,1-Dichloroethylene (P) | 75354 | 300 | 20,000 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 1,2,4,5-Tetrachlorobenzene | 95943 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 2015 | |
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene (P) | 120821 | 0.071 | 0.076 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| 1,2-Dichlorobenzene (P) | 95501 | 1,000 | 3,000 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 1,2-Dichloroethane (P) | 107062 | 9.9 | 650 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 1,2-Dichloropropane (P) | 78875 | 0.90 | 31 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 1,2-Diphenylhydrazine (P) | 122667 | 0.03 | 0.2 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| 1,3-Dichlorobenzene (P) | 541731 | 7 | 10 | 2015 | |
| 1,3-Dichloropropene (P) | 542756 | 0.27 | 12 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (P) | 106467 | 300 | 900 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin) (P) | 1746016 | 5.0E-9 | 5.1E-9 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The CWA section 304(a) water quality criteria for dioxin is expressed in terms of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and should be used in conjunction with the recommended toxicity equivalence factors for dioxin and dioxin-like compounds (USEPA, 2010) to account for the additive effects of other dioxin-like compounds. |
| 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol | 95954 | 300 | 600 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (P) | 88062 | 1.5 | 2.8 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| 2,4-Dichlorophenol (P) | 120832 | 10 | 60 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| 2,4-Dimethylphenol (P) | 105679 | 100 | 3,000 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| 2,4-Dinitrophenol (P) | 51285 | 10 | 300 | 2015 | |
| 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (P) | 121142 | 0.049 | 1.7 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| 2-Chloronaphthalene (P) | 91587 | 800 | 1,000 | 2015 | |
| 2-Chlorophenol (P) | 95578 | 30 | 800 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| 2-Methyl-4,6-Dinitrophenol (P) | 534521 | 2 | 30 | 2015 | |
| 3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine (P) | 91941 | 0.049 | 0.15 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| 3-Methyl-4-Chlorophenol (P) | 59507 | 500 | 2,000 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| Acenaphthene (P) | 83329 | 70 | 90 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| Acrolein (P) | 107028 | 3 | 400 | 2015 | |
| Acrylonitrile (P) | 107131 | 0.061 | 7.0 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Aldrin (P) | 309002 | 0.00000077 | 0.00000077 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| alpha-Endosulfan (P) | 959988 | 20 | 30 | 2015 | |
| alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (P) | 319846 | 0.00036 | 0.00039 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Anthracene (P) | 120127 | 300 | 400 | 2015 | |
| Antimony (P) | 7440360 | 5.6 | 640 | 1980 | This criterion was revised to reflect EPA's q1* or RfD as contained in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) as of May 17, 2002. The fish tissue bioconcentration factor (BCF) is from the 1980 Ambient Water Quality Criteria document. EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Arsenic (P) | 7440382 | 0.018 | 0.14 | 1992 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This recommended water quality criterion for arsenic refers to the inorganic form only. |
| Asbestos (P) | 1332214 | 7 million fibers/L | — | 1991 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Barium | 7440393 | 1,000 | — | 1986 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This human health criterion is the same as originally published in the Quality Criteria for Water, 1976 ("Red Book") which predates the 1980 methodology and did not utilize the fish ingestion BCF approach. This same criterion value is published in the Quality Criteria for Water, 1986 ("Gold Book"). |
| Benzene (P) | 71432 | 0.58-2.1 | 16-58 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Benzidine (P) | 92875 | 0.00014 | 0.011 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Benzo(a)anthracene (P) | 56553 | 0.0012 | 0.0013 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Benzo(a)pyrene (P) | 50328 | 0.00012 | 0.00013 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Benzo(b)fluoranthene (P) | 205992 | 0.0012 | 0.0013 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Benzo(k)fluoranthene (P) | 207089 | 0.012 | 0.013 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Beryllium (P) | 7440417 | — | — | — | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| beta-Endosulfan (P) | 33213659 | 20 | 40 | 2015 | |
| beta-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (P) | 319857 | 0.0080 | 0.014 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Bis(2-Chloro-1-methylethyl) Ether (P) | 108601 | 200 | 4,000 | 2015 | |
| Bis(2-Chloroethyl) Ether (P) | 111444 | 0.030 | 2.2 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (P) | 117817 | 0.32 | 0.37 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Bis(Chloromethyl) Ether | 542881 | 0.00015 | 0.017 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Bromoform (P) | 75252 | 7.0 | 120 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Butylbenzyl Phthalate (P) | 85687 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Cadmium (P) | 7440439 | — | — | — | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Carbon Tetrachloride (P) | 56235 | 0.4 | 5 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Chlordane (P) | 57749 | 0.00031 | 0.00032 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Chlorobenzene (P) | 108907 | 100 | 800 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Chlorodibromomethane (P) | 124481 | 0.80 | 21 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Chloroform (P) | 67663 | 60 | 2,000 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Chlorophenoxy Herbicide (2,4,5-TP) [Silvex] | 93721 | 100 | 400 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Chlorophenoxy Herbicide (2,4-D) | 94757 | 1,300 | 12,000 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Chromium (III) (P) | 16065831 | Total | — | — | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Chromium (VI) (P) | 18540299 | Total | — | — | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Chrysene (P) | 218019 | 0.12 | 0.13 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Copper (P) | 7440508 | 1,300 | — | 1992 | This chemical has a criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects. In some cases, the organoleptic criterion may be more stringent. EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Cyanide (P) | 57125 | 4 | 400 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Cylindrospermopsin | 143545-90-8 | — | — | 2019 | The national recommended human health recreational criterion or swimming advisory for cylindrospermopsin is 15 µg/L. When applied as a Clean Water Act section 304(a) water quality criterion, EPA recommends no more than 3 excursions (10-day assessment periods) within a recreational season in more than one year. When used as a swimming advisory, EPA recommends the value not be exceeded on any single day. |
| Di-n-Butyl Phthalate (P) | 84742 | 20 | 30 | 2015 | |
| Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (P) | 53703 | 0.00012 | 0.00013 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Dichlorobromomethane (P) | 75274 | 0.95 | 27 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Dieldrin (P) | 60571 | 0.0000012 | 0.0000012 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Diethyl Phthalate (P) | 84662 | 600 | 600 | 2015 | |
| Dimethyl Phthalate (P) | 131113 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2015 | The 2015 Update of Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Dimethyl Phthalate and 1980 Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Phthalate Esters incorrectly cite a study by Draize et al. (1948) as the critical study used to derive a reference dose for dimethyl phthalate. The correct citation for the two-year feeding study in female rats is Lehman, 1955 (Lehman, AJ. 1955. Insect repellants. Association of Food and Drug Officials of the United States Quarterly Bulletin 19:87-99). |
| Dinitrophenols | 25550587 | 10 | 1,000 | 2015 | |
| Endosulfan Sulfate (P) | 1031078 | 20 | 40 | 2015 | |
| Endrin Aldehyde (P) | 7421934 | 1 | 1 | 2015 | |
| Endrin (P) | 72208 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Ethylbenzene (P) | 100414 | 68 | 130 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Fluoranthene (P) | 206440 | 20 | 20 | 2015 | |
| Fluorene (P) | 86737 | 50 | 70 | 2015 | |
| gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) [Lindane] (P) | 58899 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Heptachlor Epoxide (P) | 1024573 | 0.000032 | 0.000032 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Heptachlor (P) | 76448 | 0.0000059 | 0.0000059 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Hexachlorobenzene (P) | 118741 | 0.000079 | 0.000079 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Hexachlorobutadiene (P) | 87683 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) -Technical | 608731 | 0.0066 | 0.010 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Hexachlorocyclopentadiene (P) | 77474 | 4 | 4 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Hexachloroethane (P) | 67721 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (P) | 193395 | 0.0012 | 0.0013 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Isophorone (P) | 78591 | 34 | 1,800 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Manganese | 7439965 | 50 | 100 | 1993 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. The Human Health for the consumption of Water + Organism criterion for manganese is not based on toxic effects, but rather is intended to minimize objectionable qualities such as laundry stains and objectionable tastes in beverages. |
| Methoxychlor | 72435 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Methyl Bromide (P) | 74839 | 100 | 10,000 | 2015 | |
| Methylene Chloride (P) | 75092 | 20 | 1,000 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Methylmercury (P) | 22967926 | — | 0.3 mg/kg | 2001 | This fish tissue residue criterion for methylmercury is based on a total fish consumption rate of 0.0175 kg/day. |
| Microcystins | 101043-37-2 | — | — | 2019 | The national recommended human health recreational criterion or swimming advisory for microcystins is 8 µg/L. When applied as a Clean Water Act section 304(a) water quality criterion, EPA recommends no more than 3 excursions (10-day assessment periods) within a recreational season in more than one year. When used as a swimming advisory, EPA recommends the value not be exceeded on any single day. |
| N-Nitrosodi-n-Propylamine (P) | 621647 | 0.0050 | 0.51 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| N-Nitrosodimethylamine (P) | 62759 | 0.00069 | 3.0 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| N-Nitrosodiphenylamine (P) | 86306 | 3.3 | 6.0 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Nickel (P) | 7440020 | 610 | 4,600 | 1998 | This criterion was revised to reflect EPA's q1* or RfD as contained in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) as of May 17, 2002. The fish tissue bioconcentration factor (BCF) is from the 1980 Ambient Water Quality Criteria document. |
| Nitrates | 14797558 | 10,000 | — | 1986 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Nitrobenzene (P) | 98953 | 10 | 600 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| Nitrosamines | — | 0.0008 | 1.24 | 1980 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Nitrosodibutylamine | 924163 | 0.0063 | 0.22 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Nitrosodiethylamine | 55185 | 0.0008 | 1.24 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Nitrosopyrrolidine | 930552 | 0.016 | 34 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| p,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) (P) | 72548 | 0.00012 | 0.00012 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| p,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) (P) | 72559 | 0.000018 | 0.000018 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| p,p′-Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (P) | 50293 | 0.000030 | 0.000030 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). |
| Pathogen and Pathogen Indicators | — | — | — | 2012 | Refer to EPA's 2012 Recreational Water Quality Criteria For Shellfish refer to Quality Criteria for Water 1986 ("Gold Book") |
| Pentachlorobenzene | 608935 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2015 | |
| Pentachlorophenol (P) | 87865 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS) (Draft) | — | — | — | — | For more information, refer to Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PFAS. |
| Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) (Draft) | — | — | — | — | For more information, refer to Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PFAS. |
| Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) (Draft) | — | — | — | — | For more information, refer to Human Health Water Quality Criteria for PFAS. |
| pH | — | 5 – 9 | — | 1986 | |
| Phenol (P) | 108952 | 4,000 | 300,000 | 2015 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
| Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) (P) | — | 0.000064 | 0.000064 | 2002 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). This criterion applies to total PCBs (e.g., the sum of all congener or all isomer or homolog or Aroclor analyses). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Pyrene (P) | 129000 | 20 | 30 | 2015 | |
| Selenium (P) | 7782492 | 170 | 4200 | 2002 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Solids Dissolved and Salinity | — | 250,000 | — | 1986 | |
| Tetrachloroethylene (P) | 127184 | 10 | 29 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Thallium (P) | 7440280 | 0.24 | 0.47 | 2003 | |
| Toluene (P) | 108883 | 57 | 520 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Toxaphene (P) | 8001352 | 0.00070 | 0.00071 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene (P) | 156605 | 100 | 4,000 | 2015 | EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Trichloroethylene (P) | 79016 | 0.6 | 7 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Vinyl Chloride (P) | 75014 | 0.022 | 1.6 | 2015 | This criterion is based on carcinogenicity of 10-6 risk. Alternate risk levels may be obtained by moving the decimal point (e.g., for a risk level of 10-5, move the decimal point in the recommended criterion one place to the right). EPA has issued a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this chemical which may be more stringent. Refer to EPA's National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. |
| Zinc (P) | 7440666 | 7,400 | 26,000 | 2002 | The criterion for organoleptic (taste and odor) effects may be more stringent. Refer to National Recommended Water Quality Criteria - Organoleptic Effects. |
Where this came from
Every record above links the page it was taken from and quotes the sentence that states it. These are the 1 source this dataset was assembled from.
- epa.govhttps://www.epa.gov/wqc/national-recommended-water-quality-criteria-human-health-criteria-table
Machine-readable
- data.jsonThe whole dataset — every record with its source URL and source quote.
- Open Knowledge Format bundleOne JSON object per line — every record's frontmatter and quoted span exactly as it is held here, in one fetch.
- data.csvThe same records as one flat table, for a spreadsheet or a dataframe. The last four columns are the source URL, the quoted sentence it was read from, the date we last checked it, and which columns are our reading rather than the page's words.
- How this is made and checkedWhat "verified against source" does and does not mean.
From your own code
Same records, same quotes, without scraping the page: refsource is on PyPI and npm. Each value comes back carrying the URL it was read from and the sentence on that page that states it — .source and .quote sit on the value itself rather than in a side channel, so the checking step is available instead of skipped.
pip install refsource
refsource lookup epa-water-quality-criteria-human-health pollutant="1,1,1-Trichloroethane (P)"
npx -y refsource lookup epa-water-quality-criteria-human-health pollutant="1,1,1-Trichloroethane (P)"Set your AI assistant up to use this
Two files and no account. Put this in .mcp.json at the root of your project — Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code and Codex all read that file — and your assistant can look this dataset up instead of recalling it. The server is remote, keyless and read-only.
{
"mcpServers": {
"referencesource": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://referencesource.org/mcp"
}
}
}Add to Cursor · or, on the command line: claude mcp add --transport http referencesource https://referencesource.org/mcp --scope project
Then one line in the project's CLAUDE.md or AGENTS.md, so the assistant knows when to reach for it:
When a question needs "EPA national recommended water quality criteria for human health: pollutant concentration thresholds", call the referencesource MCP server at https://referencesource.org/mcp (tool `search_records`, dataset_slug `epa-water-quality-criteria-human-health`) instead of answering from memory — every record it returns carries its source URL and a verbatim quote from that page.What each tool does, and the servers built over single registers: Connect your AI assistant.