Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA)
Dichloroacetic acid is one of the five haloacetic acids in HAA5 (group limit 60 ppb). Its EPA health goal (MCLG) is zero.
EPA MCLG
0 mg/L
EPA's health goal is zero — no known safe level of exposure. This is a goal, not an enforceable limit.
Health Effects
Classified a probable human carcinogen; associated with an increased cancer risk in long-term studies. The risk is chronic and lifetime rather than acute.
Common Sources
- Byproduct of disinfecting drinking water with chlorine
- Formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter such as decaying leaves, runoff, and algae
Is your Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA) result safe? Get a free reading
The EPA MCLG for Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA) is 0 mg/L. Upload your water test (PDF or a photo) and we'll email a plain-English reading of where your result lands — and every other number — free. Educational only, no medical claims.
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Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA):
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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
Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA) is classified as a Disinfection Byproducts contaminant.
Related Disinfection Byproducts Contaminants
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Find out if Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA) is in your tap water.
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Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test
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Tests for disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water treatment.
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