Cadmium
EPA MCLG
0.005 mg/L
The level in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. This is a goal, not an enforceable limit.
Health Effects
Kidney damage
Source: EPA — National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (retrieved 2026-07-27)
Common Sources
- Corrosion of galvanized pipes
- erosion of natural deposits
- discharge from metal refineries
- runoff from waste batteries and paints
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About the EPA MCLG
The EPA MCLG is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. It is a non-enforceable public health goal, and is often stricter than the legal limit (MCL) water systems must meet.
Contaminant Type
Cadmium is classified as a Metals contaminant.
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