Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.

UTILITY

Bemidji

location

Bemidji, Minnesota

serves

15,147

source

Groundwater

data

2014-2023

Overview

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Minnesota Department of Health - Environmental Health Division, 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 (April 2024 - June 2024), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Contaminants Detected

Bromodichloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.25 ppb

21x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb

Bromodichloromethane

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 21 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

1.25 ppb

National Average

5.89 ppb

State Average

4 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.06 ppb for bromodichloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Chloroform

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 7.80 ppb

20x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.4 ppb

Chloroform

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 20 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.4 ppb or less

This Utility

7.8 ppb

National Average

16.2 ppb

State Average

11.6 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.4 ppb for chloroform was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Dibromochloromethane

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.667 ppb

6.7x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Dibromochloromethane

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 6.7 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.667 ppb

National Average

3.55 ppb

State Average

1.87 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for dibromochloromethane was based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to fetal growth and development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Dichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.25 ppb

6.3x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.2 ppb

Dichloroacetic acid

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 6.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.2 ppb or less

This Utility

1.25 ppb

National Average

8 ppb

State Average

5.98 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.2 ppb for dichloroacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to reproduction and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.78 ppb

18x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

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 18 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

1.78 ppb

Legal Limit

60 ppb

National Average

19.8 ppb

State Average

9.74 ppb

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.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.341 ppb

5.7x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.06 ppb

Haloacetic acids (HAA9)

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 5.7 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.06 ppb or less

This Utility

0.341 ppb

National Average

23.7 ppb

State Average

13.2 ppb

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.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2021.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Manganese

Potential Effect: harm to the brain and nervous system

This Utility: 203.0 ppb

2x

EWG's Health Guideline: 100 ppb

Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring element that is common in food and drinking water. Excessive manganese exposures may impair children's attention, memory and intellectual capacity. Click here to read more about manganese.

Manganese was found at 2 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

100 ppb or less

This Utility

203 ppb

National Average

8.66 ppb

State Average

18.6 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 100 ppb for manganese was defined by the state of Minnesota as a health risk limit, the concentration of a contaminant that can be consumed with little or no risk to health. This health guideline protects against harm to the brain and nervous system.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Ion Exchange

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 84.2 ppt

84,176x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.001 ppt

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)

Perfluorohexane sulfonate is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. 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.

Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS) was found at 84,176 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.001 ppt or less

This Utility

84.2 ppt

Legal Limit

10 ppt

National Average

0.523 ppt

State Average

1.01 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.001 ppt for perfluorohexane sulfonate was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline harm to the developing immune system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Potential Effect:

This Utility: 79.5 ppt

265x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.3 ppt

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS 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.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was found at 265 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.3 ppt or less

This Utility

79.5 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

1.15 ppt

State Average

1.45 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppt for PFOS was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 1.61 ppt

18x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.09 ppt

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

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 18 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.09 ppt or less

This Utility

1.61 ppt

Proposed Legal Limit

4 ppt

National Average

0.796 ppt

State Average

1.21 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.09 ppt for PFOA was was defined by EPA's final toxicity value from the Office of Water’s Final Human Health Toxicity Assessment. This health guideline protects againat cardiovascular harm and harm to fetal growth.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 9.72 ppb

65x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.15 ppb

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

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 65 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.15 ppb or less

This Utility

9.72 ppb

Legal Limit

80 ppb

National Average

29.1 ppb

State Average

18.1 ppb

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.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Trichloroacetic acid

Potential Effect: cancer

This Utility: 0.533 ppb

5.3x

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.1 ppb

Trichloroacetic acid

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 5.3 times above EWG's Health Guideline.

EWG Health Guideline

0.1 ppb or less

This Utility

0.533 ppb

National Average

6.57 ppb

State Average

3.14 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 0.1 ppb for trichloroacetic acid was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer and harm to reproduction and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Treatment Byproducts

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages exceeded an EWG-selected 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.

Barium

This Utility: 28.7 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 700 ppb

Barium

Barium is a mineral present in rocks, soil and water. High concentrations of barium in drinking water increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

700 ppb or less

This Utility

28.7 ppb

Legal Limit

2,000 ppb

National Average

39.5 ppb

State Average

61.3 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 700 ppb for barium was defined by EWG as benchmark that protects against harm to the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Fluoride

This Utility: 0.760 ppm

No EWG Health Guideline

Fluoride

Fluoride occurs naturally in surface and groundwater and is also added to drinking water by many water systems to prevent cavities and support oral health in people.

In 2015, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its recommendation of an optimal level of 0.7 parts per million, or ppm, added to drinking water based on the health benefits of tooth decay prevention. Studies have shown that fluoride added to community water systems at this level reduces dental cavities, especially in children.

And studies have conclusively shown that fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash can also provide these benefits.

How your levels compare

This Utility

0.76 ppm

Legal Limit

4 ppm

National Average

0.49 ppm

State Average

0.674 ppm

EWG Health Guideline

Not yet determined

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Industry

Treatment Byproducts

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Nitrate

This Utility: 0.273 ppm

EWG's Health Guideline: 0.14 ppm

Nitrate

Nitrate, a fertilizer chemical, frequently contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff, and discharges from municipal wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks. Excessive nitrate in water can cause oxygen deprivation in infants and increase the risk of cancer. Click here to read more about nitrate.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

0.14 ppm or less

This Utility

0.273 ppm

Legal Limit

10 ppm

National Average

0.824 ppm

State Average

0.5 ppm

Health Risks

The EWG health guideline of 0.14 parts per million, or ppm, for nitrate and nitrite is based on the equivalent health guideline for nitrate, as defined in a peer-reviewed scientific study by EWG. This guideline represents a one-in-one-million annual cancer risk level.

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2021-2023.

ppm = parts per million

Pollution Sources

Agriculture

Runoff & Sprawl

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

This Utility: 7.67 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 2,000 ppt

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)

Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. PFOS 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.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

2,000 ppt or less

This Utility

7.67 ppt

National Average

0.679 ppt

State Average

0.503 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 2,000 ppt for perfluorobutane sulfonate was defined by EPA’s Human Health toxicity value. This health guideline hormone disruption and harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

This Utility: 4.08 ppt

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,000 ppt

Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)

Perfluorohexanoic acid is a member of a group of perfluorinated chemicals used in many consumer products. 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.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,000 ppt or less

This Utility

4.08 ppt

National Average

1.05 ppt

State Average

0.634 ppt

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,000 ppt for perfluorohexanoic acid was defined by EPA's toxicity value published in the Integrated Risk Information System's toxicological review. This health guideline protects against harm to fetal growth and child development.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2018-2024.

ppt = parts per trillion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Runoff & Sprawl

Filtering Options

Activated Carbon

Reverse Osmosis

Strontium

This Utility: 0.0656 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 1,500 ppb

Strontium

Strontium is a metal that accumulates in the bones. Radioactive strontium-90 can cause bone cancer and leukemia, and any form of strontium at high doses can harm bone health.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

1,500 ppb or less

This Utility

0.0656 ppb

National Average

0.488 ppb

State Average

0.158 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 1,500 ppb for strontium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against harm to bones.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Reverse Osmosis

Ion Exchange

Vanadium

This Utility: 0.283 ppb

EWG's Health Guideline: 21 ppb

Vanadium

Vanadium is a metal used in steels and other alloys. People are commonly exposed to vanadium in water and food. Excessive exposure can be toxic during pregnancy and childhood.

How your levels compare

EWG Health Guideline

21 ppb or less

This Utility

0.283 ppb

National Average

1.54 ppb

State Average

0.159 ppb

Health Risks

The EWG Health Guideline of 21 ppb for vanadium was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a benchmark for testing under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule program. This health guideline protects against change in blood chemistry.

Legal Limit

None

Understanding the Data

The state and national averages were calculated using the averages of the contaminant measurements for each utility in 2013-2023.

ppb = parts per billion

Pollution Sources

Industry

Naturally Occurring

Filtering Options

Ion Exchange

Includes chemicals detected in 2021-2023 for which annual utility averages were lower than an EWG-selected health guideline established by a federal or state public health authority.

Other Contaminants Tested

Chemicals tested for but not detected:

1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, 1,1-Dichloropropene, 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,3-Trichloropropane, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, 1,3-Butadiene, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 1,4-Dioxane, 1-butanol, 2,2-Dichloropropane, 2,4,5-TP (Silvex), 2,4-D, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-propen-1-ol, 3-Hydroxycarbofuran, Acetone, Alachlor (Lasso), Aldicarb, Aldicarb sulfone, Aldicarb sulfoxide, Aldrin, Alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, Altyl chloride, Antimony, Arsenic, Atrazine, Benzene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Beryllium, Bromobenzene, Bromochloroacetic acid, Bromochloromethane, Bromoform, Bromomethane, Butachlor, Butylated hydroxyanisole, Cadmium, Carbaryl, Carbofuran, Carbon tetrachloride, Chlorate, Chlordane, Chlorodifluoromethane, Chloroethane, Chloromethane, Chlorpyriphos, Chromium (hexavalent), Chromium (total), cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, Cobalt, Cyanide, Dalapon, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, Dibromoacetic acid, Dibromomethane, Dichlorodifluoromethane, Dichlorofluoromethane, Dichloromethane (methylene chloride), Dieldrin, Dimethipin, Dinoseb, Endrin, Ethoprop, Ethyl ether, Ethylbenzene, Ethylene dibromide, Germanium, Glyphosate, Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Hexachlorobutadiene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Isopropylbenzene, Lindane, m-Dichlorobenzene, Mercury (inorganic), Methomyl, Methoxychlor, Methyl ethyl ketone, Methyl isobutyl ketone, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Molybdenum, Monobromoacetic acid, Monochloroacetic acid, Monochlorobenzene (chlorobenzene), MTBE, n-Butylbenzene, n-Propylbenzene, Naphthalene, o-Chlorotoluene, o-Dichlorobenzene, o-toluidine, Oxamyl (Vydate), Oxyflurofen, p-Chlorotoluene, p-Dichlorobenzene, p-Isopropyltoluene, Pentachlorophenol, Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA), Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), Permethrin, Picloram, Profenofos, Propachlor, Quinoline, Radium, combined (-226 & -228), sec-Butylbenzene, Selenium, Simazine, Styrene, Tebuconazole, tert-Butylbenzene, Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene), Tetrahydrofuran, Thallium, Toluene, Toxaphene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, Tribufos, Trichloroethylene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Trichlorotrifluoroethane, Vinyl chloride, Xylenes (total)

Find A Filter

Utility: 

Bemidji
view utility

Carbon Filters

FILTERS 11 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+2 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Reduced maintenance

cons

  • Does not remove all contaminants

Reverse Osmosis

FILTERS 11 contaminants exceeding guidelines (+6 others)

Can reduce the levels of many common contaminants.

pros

  • Most effective

cons

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Requires more maintenance
  • Wastes water

Other Considerations

Ion Exchange

Pros: Softens hard water, Reduces some contaminants

Cons: Doesn’t remove all contaminants

Whole-House Filters

Pros: Useful for reducing radiologicals and TCE

Cons: Expensive to install and maintain, Risk of bacterial contamination

Distillation

Pros: Removes heavy metals and harmful microbes

Cons: Does not reduce most contaminants

Explore filter options for each contaminant. See which technologies are effective at reducing specific contaminants to help you make an informed decision on the best water treatment solution for your needs.

CONTAMINANTS ABOVE HEALTH GUIDELINES activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Bromodichloromethane
Chloroform
Dibromochloromethane
Dichloroacetic acid
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
Haloacetic acids (HAA9)
Manganese
Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHXS)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Trichloroacetic acid
OTHER CONTAMINANTS DETECTED activated carbon reverse osmosis ion exchange
Barium
Fluoride
Nitrate
Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS)
Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA)
Strontium
Vanadium