What Are the Problems with MTBE in Drinking Water Supplies?
The unpleasant taste and odor of MTBE can be detected at very low levels in drinking water. MTBE is often described as having a turpentine-like smell and taste. Initial studies show consumers can detect it in drinking water at anywhere from 15 to 40 parts per billion (ppb). Primarily for taste and odor considerations, the USEPA has established a “Drinking Water Advisory” of 20 to 40 ppb (parts per billion). The California Department of Health Services has established an “Interim Action Level” of 35 ppb. The USEPA has advised a level of 70 ppb for safe drinking water. However, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazards Assessment has proposed a Public Health Goal of no more than 14 ppb in drinking water. MTBE is considered a “possible human carcinogen” by EPA, but little is known about the long-term health effects of MTBE in drinking water.
