How does benzene affect drinking water?
Benzene may be found in some public or private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if found in amounts greater than the health standard set by the EPA. In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act. This law requires EPA to determine safe levels of chemicals in drinking water which do or may cause health problems. These non-enforceable levels, based solely on possible health risks and exposure, are called Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLG).
