Asbestos in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Asbestos is an inorganic contaminant that can occasionally be found in drinking water systems. It is regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 7 MFL for this substance. Monitoring and managing its presence is important to ensure water supplies meet safety standards.
Health Effects
Exposure to asbestos in drinking water is associated with specific long-term health risks. Consuming water containing levels of asbestos exceeding the regulatory limit can lead to an increased risk of developing benign intestinal polyps. Minimizing exposure is important to help prevent these health effects.
How Asbestos Gets Into Tap Water
Asbestos can enter drinking water supplies through a couple of primary pathways. One common source is the decay of older asbestos cement water mains within water distribution systems. Additionally, asbestos fibers can leach into water sources from natural geological deposits.
How to Remove Asbestos From Your Water
There are established public water treatment methods capable of removing asbestos from drinking water. Effective options include coagulation/filtration processes to bind and filter out the fibers. Direct filtration and diatomite filtration are also recognized treatment methods for reducing asbestos levels.
Should You Test Your Water?
To check for asbestos in your drinking water, you can review your local water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or perform a search on WaterQ. If you rely on a private well near natural deposits, professional laboratory testing can verify if asbestos is present. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Asbestos data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asbestos dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, consuming water with elevated levels of asbestos can present health risks. Specifically, ingestion of asbestos fibers is linked to an increased risk of benign intestinal polyps. While not an immediate acute hazard, managing exposure is important for long-term health.
How does Asbestos get into tap water?
Asbestos typically enters tap water through the decay of asbestos cement water mains or from natural mineral deposits. As these pipes degrade or water flows through natural deposits, fibers can be released into the water supply.
How can I remove Asbestos from my water?
Asbestos can be removed using water treatment methods such as coagulation/filtration or direct/diatomite filtration. These methods are typically utilized at the municipal level to treat water before it reaches consumers.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.
What actually removes asbestos
Asbestos in water is a physical particle problem, so the fix is a fine enough barrier rather than chemical adsorption. NSF/ANSI 53 includes a specific asbestos reduction claim, and any filter rated to roughly one micron absolute will capture the regulated fiber sizes. Reverse osmosis also removes it as a side effect. Note that ingesting asbestos is far less studied than inhaling it, and most health guidance concerns the airborne route.
Works
- Carbon certified for lead (NSF 53)The cheapest thing that genuinely removes lead, cysts and many VOCs.
- Reverse osmosis (NSF 58)The broadest removal available at home: arsenic, nitrate, fluoride, PFAS, TDS.
Will not fix this
- Basic activated carbon (NSF 42)
- Ion-exchange water softener
- UV disinfection (NSF 55)
- Boiling Makes it worse — evaporation concentrates what's left behind.
Options that carry the right certification
Ordered cheapest-adequate first. Prices are indicative bands and move often.
| Product | Certification | Upfront | Per year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquasana AQ-5200 Under-SinkUnder-sink | NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 and P473 certified.Catch:Carbon, not RO — no meaningful fluoride, nitrate or arsenic reduction. | $110–160 | $80–120 | Check price |
| APEC ROES-50 EssenceUnder-sink | Built with WQA-certified components to NSF/ANSI 58.Catch:Needs an under-sink drain connection and a spare hole for the dedicated faucet. Strips minerals — some people dislike the flat taste. | $180–240 | $50–80 | Check price |
| Brita Elite Pitcher FilterPitcher | NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 certified, including a lead reduction claim.Catch:No fluoride, nitrate or arsenic reduction. Not PFAS-rated. | $25–40 | $50–70 | Check price |
Certification listings change. Before buying, confirm the current listing for the exact model in the NSF certified products database — a manufacturer's marketing page is not a certification. WaterQ earns a commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you; see our affiliate disclosure. This is general information, not medical or engineering advice.
For a full breakdown of certifications, running costs and the models worth considering, see our buying guide for asbestos.