Bromate in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Bromate is an organic contaminant that can be found in drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this substance at 10 μg/L. Public water systems monitor and manage levels to ensure they stay within this safe threshold.
Health Effects
Consuming water containing bromate is associated with long-term health concerns. The primary health effect of exposure to this contaminant is an increased risk of cancer. Minimizing exposure is important for maintaining overall wellness.
How Bromate Gets Into Tap Water
Bromate is not typically present in natural source waters but is introduced during treatment. It forms as an ozone disinfection byproduct when water systems undergo disinfection. Consequently, its presence is directly linked to municipal treatment processes.
How to Remove Bromate From Your Water
Water systems can reduce the presence of bromate using specific treatment methods. These methods include controlling the ozone dose and performing pH adjustment during the disinfection process. These strategies help keep the byproduct levels within safe parameters.
Should You Test Your Water?
To check for bromate, review your local water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search the WaterQ database. If you use a private system with ozone treatment, consider testing through a certified laboratory. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Bromate data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bromate dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, bromate in drinking water is associated with health risks. Exposure to this contaminant is linked to an increased risk of cancer. It is regulated to prevent adverse health effects from long-term consumption.
How does Bromate get into tap water?
Bromate enters tap water as a byproduct of water treatment disinfection. It forms when ozone is used to disinfect the water supply.
How can I remove Bromate from my water?
At the treatment stage, bromate formation can be managed by controlling the ozone dose or by applying pH adjustment.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.
What actually removes trihalomethanes and disinfection byproducts
These are the trade-off contaminants: they exist because the water is being disinfected, and disinfection prevents far more harm than the byproducts cause. That said, they are easy to reduce. Activated carbon with an NSF/ANSI 53 VOC claim handles them well, so a modest under-sink or pitcher filter is sufficient. Levels are usually highest in summer and at the far end of the distribution network.
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.
- Basic activated carbon (NSF 42)Fixes taste and smell. Does not remove any health-regulated contaminant.
Will not fix this
- Ion-exchange water softener
- UV disinfection (NSF 55)
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 trihalomethanes and disinfection byproducts.