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EWG's Tap Water Database — 2021 UPDATE

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City of Monroe

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2021 - March 2021), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility Details

  • Monroe, North Carolina
  • Serves: 31,438
  • Data available: 2013-2020*
  • Source: Surface water

    • * 2013 testing is for chemicals in EPA's Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-3) only. 2020/2021 testing is for chemicals in EPA's Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR-4) only.

Contaminants Detected

11

EXCEED
EWG HEALTH
GUIDELINES

23 Total Contaminants

  • Legal does not necessarily equal safe. Getting a passing grade from the federal government does not mean the water meets the latest health guidelines.
  • Legal limits for contaminants in tap water have not been updated in almost 20 years.
  • The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place.

What To Do

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Contaminants Detected

VIEW: EXCEED GUIDELINES OTHER DETECTED

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer181x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY10.8 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Bromodichloromethane

more about
this contaminant

Bromodichloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Bromodichloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Bromodichloromethane was found at 181 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

10.8 ppb

National Average

5.79 ppb

State Average

8.12 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer96x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY38.2 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.4 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Chloroform

more about
this contaminant

Chloroform, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Chloroform and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy.

Chloroform was found at 96 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

38.2 ppb

National Average

15.5 ppb

State Average

24 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chromium (hexavalent)

Potential Effect: cancer3.9x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY0.0788 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.02 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Chromium (hexavalent)

more about
this contaminant

Chromium (hexavalent) is a carcinogen that commonly contaminates American drinking water. Chromium (hexavalent) in drinking water may be due to industrial pollution or natural occurrences in mineral deposits and groundwater. Read more about chromium (hexavalent).

Chromium (hexavalent) was found at 3.9 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.02 ppb or less

This Utility

0.0788 ppb

National Average

0.484 ppb

State Average

0.0662 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.02 ppb for chromium (hexavalent) was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Dibromoacetic acid

Potential Effect: 6.3x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY0.253 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.04 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Dibromoacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Dibromoacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromoacetic acid was found at 6.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.04 ppb or less

This Utility

0.253 ppb

National Average

1.1 ppb

State Average

1.04 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.04 ppb for dibromoacetic acid was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a on-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromochloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer27x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY2.67 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Dibromochloromethane

more about
this contaminant

Dibromochloromethane, one of the total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Dibromochloromethane and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dibromochloromethane was found at 27 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

2.67 ppb

National Average

3.29 ppb

State Average

3.99 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was proposed in 2018 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Dichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer98x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY19.6 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.2 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Dichloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Dichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Dichloroacetic acid was found at 98 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.2 ppb or less

This Utility

19.6 ppb

National Average

7.97 ppb

State Average

11.8 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)†

Potential Effect: cancer284x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY28.4 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT60 ppb
DETAILS
X

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

more about
this contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) was found at 284 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

28.4 ppb

Legal Limit

60 ppb

National Average

17.1 ppb

State Average

22.4 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for the group of five haloacetic acids, or HAA5, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level. This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)†

Potential Effect: cancer547x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY32.8 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.06 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

more about
this contaminant

Haloacetic acids are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine are added to tap water. The group of nine haloacetic acids includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid, which are regulated as a group by the federal government (HAA5); and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid.

Haloacetic acids (HAA9) was found at 547 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

32.8 ppb

National Average

23.7 ppb

State Average

31.2 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2021.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for the group of nine haloacetic acids, or HAA9, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-a-million lifetime cancer risk level as . This health guideline protects against cancer.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Potential Effect: cancer71x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY0.500 ppt
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.007 ppt
PROPOSED LEGAL LIMIT4 ppt
DETAILS
X

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

more about
this contaminant

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals can cause serious health effects, including cancer, endocrine disruption, accelerated puberty, liver and immune system damage, and thyroid changes. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and they accumulate in people. Click here to read more about perfluorinated chemicals.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was found at 71 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.007 ppt or less

This Utility

0.5 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

1.15 ppt

State Average

0.945 ppt
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2019.
ppt = parts per trillion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.007 ppt for PFOA was proposed by California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)†

Potential Effect: cancer345x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY51.8 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.15 ppb
LEGAL LIMIT80 ppb
DETAILS
X

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

more about
this contaminant

Trihalomethanes are cancer-causing contaminants that form during water treatment with chlorine and other disinfectants. The total trihalomethanes group includes four chemicals: chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform.

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) was found at 345 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

51.8 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.7 ppb

State Average

38.5 ppb
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The health guideline of 0.15 parts per billion, or ppb, for the group of four trihalomethanes, or THM4/TTHM, was defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG and represents a one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level.
VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Trichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer82x EWG'S HEALTH GUIDELINE
THIS UTILITY8.21 ppb
EWG HEALTH GUIDELINE0.1 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
DETAILS
X

Trichloroacetic acid

more about
this contaminant

Trichloroacetic acid, one of the group of five haloacetic acids regulated by federal standards, is formed when chlorine or other disinfectants are used to treat drinking water. Haloacetic acids and other disinfection byproducts increase the risk of cancer and may cause problems during pregnancy. Click here to read more about disinfection byproducts.

Trichloroacetic acid was found at 82 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

8.21 ppb

National Average

6.62 ppb

State Average

8.77 ppb
NO LEGAL LIMIT
The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2017-2019.
ppb = parts per billion

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was proposed in 2020 by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk.a one-in-a-million lifetime risk of cancer. Values greater than one-in-a-million cancer risk level can result in increased cancer cases above one in a million people.

VIEW MORE TESTING DATA

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2017-2019 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) program in 2013 to 2015 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority; chemicals detected under the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) program in 2017 to 2020 (and subsequent testing when available), for which annual utility averages exceeded a health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

† HAA5 is a contaminant group that includes monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid. HAA9 is a contaminant group that includes the chemicals in HAA5 and bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid and tribromoacetic acid. TTHM is a contaminant group that includes bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform and dibromochloromethane.

Other Contaminants Tested

✕

Chemicals tested for but not detected from 2014 to 2019:

1,1,1-Trichloroethane , 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethoxy), 1,1,2-Trichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethane , 1,1-Dichloroethylene , 1,2,3-Trichloropropane , 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene , 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) , 1,2-Dichloroethane , 1,2-Dichloropropane , 1,3-Butadiene , 1,4-Dioxane , 1-butanol , 10:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (10:2 FTSA) , 11-chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate , 2,2,3,3,4,5,5,5-4-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-2-sulfoetho, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) , 2,4-D , 2-methoxyethanol , 2-propen-1-ol , 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA) , 4:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (4:2 FTSA) , 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTSA) , 8:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (8:2 FTSA) , 9-chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanonane-1-sulfonate , Alachlor (Lasso) , Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane , Antimony , Arsenic , Barium , Benzene , Benzo[a]pyrene , Beryllium , Bromochloromethane , Bromoform , Bromomethane , Butylated hydroxyanisole , Cadmium , Carbofuran , Carbon tetrachloride , Chlordane , Chlorodifluoromethane , Chloromethane , Chlorpyriphos , cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene , Cobalt , Combined uranium , Cyanide , Dalapon , Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate , Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate , Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) , Dimethipin , Dinoseb , Endrin , Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-[1-[difluoro(1,2,2,2-tetraf, Ethanesulfonic acid, 2-[1-[difluoro[(1,2,2-trifluo, Ethoprop , Ethylbenzene , Ethylene dibromide , Germanium , Heptachlor , Heptachlor epoxide , Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) , Hexachlorocyclopentadiene , Lindane , Mercury (inorganic) , Methoxychlor , Molybdenum , Monobromoacetic acid , Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene) , N-(3-dimethylaminopropan-1-yl)perfluoro-1-hexane-s, N-(carboxymethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-[3-(1H,1H,2H,2H-p, N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N, N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid , N-[3-(perfluoro-1-hexanesulfonamido)propan-1-yl]-N, o-Dichlorobenzene , o-toluidine , Oxamyl (Vydate) , Oxyflurofen , p-Dichlorobenzene , Pentachlorophenol , Perfluoro(3,5,7,9,11-pentaoxadodecanoic) acid , Perfluoro(3,5,7,9-tetraoxadecanoic) acid (PFO4DA) , Perfluoro(3,5,7-trioxaoctanoic) acid (PFO3OA) , Perfluoro(3,5-dioxahexanoic) acid (PFO2HxA) , Perfluoro-2-ethoxypropanoic acid (PEPA) , Perfluoro-2-methoxyacetic acid (PFMOAA) , Perfluoro-2-methoxypropanoic acid (PMPA) , Perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX) , Perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA) , Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid (PFDS) , Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) , Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) , Perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS) , Perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA) , Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) , Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) , Perfluorononanesulfonic acid (PFNS) , Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) , Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) , Perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) , Perfluoropentane sulfonic acid (PFPeS) , Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) , Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA) , Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) , Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) , Permethrin , Picloram , Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) , Profenofos , Propanoic acid, 3-[1-[difluoro(1,2,2,2-tetrafluoro, Quinoline , Radium, combined (-226 & -228) , Selenium , Styrene , Tebuconazole , Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) , Thallium , Toluene , Toxaphene , trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene , Tribufos , Trichloroethylene , Vanadium , Vinyl chloride , Xylenes (total)

City of Monroe compliance with legally mandated federal standards:

  • From April 2019 to March 2021, City of Monroe complied with health-based drinking water standards.
  • 5 QUARTERS
    in violation of any federal drinking water standard from April 2019 to March 2021

Information in this section on City of Monroe comes from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History Online database (ECHO).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS UTILITY

Water Filters That Can Reduce Contaminant Levels

ContaminantActivated Carbonactivated carbonReverse Osmosisreverse osmosisIon Exchangeion exchange
CONTAMINANTS ABOVE
HEALTH GUIDELINES
Bromodichloromethane✔✔
Chloroform✔✔
Chromium (hexavalent)✔✔
Dibromoacetic acid✔✔
Dibromochloromethane✔✔
Dichloroacetic acid✔✔
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)✔✔
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)✔✔
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)✔✔
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)✔✔
Trichloroacetic acid✔✔
OTHER CONTAMINANTS
DETECTED
Atrazine✔✔
Chlorate
Chromium (total)✔✔
Fluoride✔
Manganese✔
Monochloroacetic acid✔✔
Nitrate✔✔
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)✔✔
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)✔✔
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA)✔✔
Simazine✔✔
Strontium✔✔

Take Action

Contact Your Local Official

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Filter Out Contaminants

Check out our recommendations for filters to protect your water against the detected contaminants.

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