Hexachlorobenzene in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Hexachlorobenzene is an organic chemical contaminant that can be found in drinking water. It is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 1 μg/L. Consuming water containing this substance above the regulatory limit can pose health risks.
Health Effects
Exposure to Hexachlorobenzene in drinking water over long periods can lead to liver and kidney problems. Additionally, there is an increased risk of developing cancer from long-term exposure to this contaminant. It is important to minimize exposure to protect long-term health.
How Hexachlorobenzene Gets Into Tap Water
Hexachlorobenzene primarily enters water sources through industrial and agricultural activities. Specifically, releases from metal refineries and agricultural chemical production facilities can contaminate nearby water supplies. Runoff and discharge from these operations are the main pathways for the contaminant to enter the environment.
How to Remove Hexachlorobenzene From Your Water
Water systems can be treated to remove Hexachlorobenzene using granular activated carbon. This treatment method is highly effective at absorbing and filtering out the organic compound from water. Certified residential water treatment systems utilizing this technology are commonly used for this purpose.
Should You Test Your Water?
If you are concerned about Hexachlorobenzene, you can review your local utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or check the WaterQ database for testing results. Well owners near industrial or agricultural areas may also consider testing their water through a certified laboratory. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Hexachlorobenzene data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hexachlorobenzene dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, Hexachlorobenzene can be hazardous if present in drinking water above the regulatory standard. Long-term consumption of contaminated water is associated with liver and kidney problems, as well as an increased risk of cancer. Maintaining levels below the EPA limit is essential to reduce these health risks.
How does Hexachlorobenzene get into tap water?
Hexachlorobenzene typically enters tap water sources through industrial waste and agricultural runoff. It is primarily released into the environment from metal refineries and facilities involved in agricultural chemical production.
How can I remove Hexachlorobenzene from my water?
You can remove Hexachlorobenzene from your drinking water using granular activated carbon filtration. Treatment systems using this technology are commonly certified and effective for removing this specific organic contaminant.
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.