BHC-gamma (Lindane) in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
BHC-gamma (Lindane) is a regulated organic contaminant that can sometimes be found in drinking water supplies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this substance at 0.2 μg/L. Public water systems monitor for this chemical to ensure levels remain below the regulatory threshold.
Health Effects
Consuming water containing BHC-gamma (Lindane) at levels above the regulatory standard can lead to adverse health effects. Exposure to this organic contaminant is associated with liver and kidney damage.
How BHC-gamma (Lindane) Gets Into Tap Water
This contaminant enters water supplies primarily through agricultural or pest control runoff. Specifically, BHC-gamma (Lindane) in tap water is derived from insecticide residues.
How to Remove BHC-gamma (Lindane) From Your Water
If BHC-gamma (Lindane) is present in a water supply, it can be successfully managed. Granular activated carbon is a recognized and effective treatment method to remove this organic contaminant from drinking water.
Should You Test Your Water?
You can check for the presence of BHC-gamma (Lindane) by reviewing your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or by searching the WaterQ database. Private well owners near areas where insecticides are applied may also consider having their water tested by a certified laboratory. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the BHC-gamma (Lindane) data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BHC-gamma (Lindane) dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, BHC-gamma (Lindane) can pose health risks if present in drinking water above safe levels. Exposure to this organic chemical is linked to liver and kidney damage. It is important to monitor and treat water to keep levels below the EPA limit.
How does BHC-gamma (Lindane) get into tap water?
BHC-gamma (Lindane) enters tap water sources as a result of insecticide residues that wash into surface waters or leach into groundwater.
How can I remove BHC-gamma (Lindane) from my water?
You can remove BHC-gamma (Lindane) from your water by using treatment systems that feature granular activated carbon.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.
What actually removes pesticides and herbicides
These are organic molecules, and granular activated carbon adsorbs them well — it is EPA's designated best available technology for nearly the whole class. An NSF/ANSI 53 filter is sufficient; reverse osmosis is not required. Worth knowing about timing: pesticide levels in surface-water systems spike for a few weeks after spring application, and an annual average in your utility report can hide a much higher seasonal peak.
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
- Ion-exchange water softener
- UV disinfection (NSF 55)
- Ion-exchange pitcher
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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 pesticides and herbicides.