Beryllium in well water: limit and what to do
The EPA limit for beryllium is 0.004 mg/L (4 µg/L). Ontario has no standard for it. It is rare in wells, and most results come back below detection.
- US (EPA)
- 0.004 mg/L.
- Ontario
- No standard.
What it is
Beryllium occurs in some rock, and higher levels can come from coal burning, metal industries or waste sites.
What your number means
- Within limitsBelow 0.002 mg/L
Under the limit by a comfortable margin.
- Close to limit0.002 to 0.004 mg/L
Under the limit but more than halfway there. Retest within a year.
- Above limitAbove 0.004 mg/L
Use another source for drinking and cooking, contact your health department and retest to confirm.
What to do
- Retest to confirm a detection.
- Above the limit, use another source for drinking and contact your health department.
- Reverse osmosis removes beryllium.
How often to test
With a full panel every 3 to 5 years.
Common questions
Why is beryllium on my report?
Many labs include it in a standard metals panel because it has an EPA limit. A non detect is the usual result.
What does beryllium do to health?
Long term exposure above the EPA limit can cause intestinal lesions.
Sources: EPA drinking water regulations. Limits checked November 2026.