What does the EWG database show?

EWG’s database reports that the contaminants Everett detected above EWG’s health guidelines were  primarily unregulated contaminants, elements for which there is no current legal standard. In most cases, City of Everett water tests at or below the public health guideline for the contaminants in EWG’s database and in all cases below the EPA regulatory limits.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gathers information on unregulated contaminants under their Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) program. The EPA collects data for these chemicals and microbes that may be present in drinking water, but are not currently subject to EPA drinking water regulations. 

Public water systems report monitoring results to the EPA on an ongoing basis. Consumers should be confident that water scientists regularly monitor the presence of these constituents and continue to investigate the implications of minute levels in the water supply.

Show All Answers

1. What does the EWG database show?
2. What does the EWG database not show?
3. Does EWG use nationally accepted standards?
4. What is the California “public health goal (PHG)”?
5. EWG’s database shows the City of Everett’s water supply has contaminants detected above health guidelines – is this dangerous?
6. How do water systems determine what water quality standards to follow?