Drinking water may be contaminated by a variety of biological, chemical, or radiologic agents. To help safeguard consumer health, the federal government set standards for over 80 potential drinking water contaminants.
- Drinking Water Standards (US EPA)
For a summary of current federal standards, and associated health risks.
Water suppliers in Utah must conform to Utah Rule R309-200. Drinking Water Standards. Utah’s quality standards are consistent with federal standards. However, please note the following:
- Utah has a primary standard for TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for TDS is 2000 milligrams/liter (abbreviated as 2000 mg/l). Additionally, if TDS level is greater than 1000 mg/l, a water supplier must satisfactorily demonstrate that no better water is available. (The federal government has a secondary, or aesthetic, standard for TDS of 500 mg/l.)
- Utah has a primary standard for sulfate. The MCL for sulfate is 1000 mg/l. If the sulfate level is above 500 mg/l the water supplier must satisfactorily demonstrate that no better water is available and the water shall not be available for human consumption from commercial establishments. (The federal government has a secondary, or aesthetic, standard for sulfate of 250 mg/l.)
- There are currently no federal or State standards for sodium or nickel. However, Utah rules require that these contaminants be routinely monitored. For further information see:
- Sodium in Drinking Water (US EPA)
- Public water systems in Utah are not required to collect samples for the following organic chemicals:
- 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)
- Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)
- Diquat
- Endothall
- Ethelyne dibromide
- Glyphosate
- The US EPA has granted a waiver to Utah for these particular chemicals.