💧 TapWaterData

Columbia Tap Water Quality Report

Columbia's water has 5 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utility

COLUMBIA WATER SYSTEM

People Served

11,638

MCL Violations

0

Last Updated

Feb 21, 2023

Is Columbia Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Columbia's water has 5 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Columbia's water.

The data below shows test results from COLUMBIA WATER SYSTEM, which serves 11,638 people in the Columbia area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated Feb 21, 2023.

Columbia Water Quality Test Results

Key Water Quality Metrics

15+
Contaminants Tested
5
Above Guidelines

Contaminants Detected

⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (5)

What is Bromodichloromethane?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for BDCM are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen. Results from animal studies also suggest that kidney, immune system, spleen, and developmental toxicity are associated with exposure to BDCM. BDCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.

Affected Organs

spleendevelopmentalkidneysimmune-systemcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsLevels usually higher in surface water than groundwater
Last Tested: Feb 21, 2023

What is Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for DCA are based on evidence of increased cancer risk and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. Adverse effects to the male reproductive system have also been associated with elevated levels of DCA in animal studies. The EPA classifies DCA as a likely human carcinogen.

Affected Organs

reproductive-mcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsLevels usually higher in surface water than groundwaterIndustrial release or natural chlorination of organic matter
Last Tested: Feb 21, 2023

What is Chloroform?

Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.

Affected Organs

developmentalkidneysimmune-systemcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsLevels usually higher in surface water than groundwaterReleased into the environment from chemical manufacturing plants, pulp and paper mills, waste incinerators and wastewater treatment plants
Last Tested: Feb 21, 2023

What is Total THMs?

Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.

Affected Organs

spleendevelopmentalkidneysimmune-systemcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsTotal THMs are usually higher in surface water than groundwaterThe release of agricultural and industrial chemicals may also contribute to total THMs in drinking water
Last Tested: Feb 21, 2023

What is Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA)?

Member of haloacetic acids (HAAs) that form as byproducts when chlorine reacts with organic matter

Health Effects

Health protective benchmarks for TCA in drinking water have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified TCA as a possible human carcinogen. Developmental toxicity has also been associated with exposure to TCA based on evidence from animal studies.

Affected Organs

developmentalcarcinogensliver

Common Sources

Chlorine disinfection interacting with naturally occurring organic matter in distribution systemsLevels usually higher in surface water than groundwaterIndustrial release or natural chlorination of organic matter
Last Tested: Feb 21, 2023

Understanding the Data

This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.

Recommended Water Filters for Columbia

Based on Columbia's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
W11256135

Whirlpool Corporation

W11256135

(40,273 reviews)
45.1

NSF Certified:

NSF-401
NSF-42
NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.7 gpm

Removes 19 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more

View Details
Best Value
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
W11569861

Whirlpool Corporation

W11569861

(1,273 reviews)
59.97

NSF Certified:

NSF-401
NSF-42
NSF-53

Capacity

1001 gal

Filter Life

3 mo

Flow Rate

0.52 gpm

Removes 22 contaminants:

1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST HIGH TDS WATER
RCC7

iSpring Water Systems LLC

RCC7

(17,660 reviews)
219.95

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

21.04 gpd

Removes 1 contaminants:

Total Dissolved Solids

View Details
Highly Rated
BEST LEAD REMOVAL
RCC7-BLK

iSpring Water Systems LLC

RCC7-BLK

(17,660 reviews)
234.62

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

25.41 gpd

Removes 9 contaminants:

Asbestos, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Copper +4 more

View Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia Tap Water

Columbia's water has 5 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Columbia's water.