Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are an organic contaminant that can be found in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for this contaminant at 0.5 μg/L. Because of its potential health impacts, keeping its levels within safe limits is important for public health.
Health Effects
Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in drinking water can lead to several adverse health impacts, including skin changes and thymus gland problems. Additionally, it may cause immune deficiencies and presents an increased cancer risk. Because of these potential health issues, regulatory standards are designed to keep PCB levels in drinking water as low as possible.
How Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Gets Into Tap Water
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) can enter drinking water supplies from specific sources. The primary ways this contaminant gets into the water are through industrial waste and runoff from landfills. These sources can release PCBs into the environment, which may then contaminate water systems.
How to Remove Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) From Your Water
Water containing Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) can be treated to reduce its concentration. Granular activated carbon is a treatment method commonly used to filter this contaminant from drinking water. Using these treatment systems helps lower the levels of PCBs in your tap water.
Should You Test Your Water?
To check for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in your water, you can review your local water utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report or use the WaterQ search tool. If you rely on a private well near industrial areas or landfills, periodic testing through a certified laboratory is recommended. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) pose serious health concerns in drinking water, as they are associated with skin changes and thymus gland problems. They can also lead to immune deficiencies and an increased cancer risk.
How does Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) get into tap water?
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) enter tap water systems from industrial waste and runoff originating from landfills.
How can I remove Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) from my water?
You can remove Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) from your drinking water using granular activated carbon treatment systems.
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.