Beryllium Contamination in Drinking Water: A Health Concern for Tampa Bay

Beryllium is a naturally occurring metal found in rocks, coal, soil and volcanic dust. While low levels of Beryllium occur naturally in water sources, elevated levels in drinking water can pose a health risk if consumed over time. Recent testing has detected concerning levels of Beryllium contaminating water sources that supply drinking water to residents across Tampa Bay.

Presence of Beryllium Contaminant in Drinking Water

According to testing mandated by the EPA under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), Beryllium has been detected at levels above recommended public health goals in drinking water sources supplying the following counties and communities in the greater Tampa Bay area:

Hillsborough County

• Apollo Beach

• Bloomingdale

• Brandon

• Carrollwood

• Cheval

• Citrus Park

• Dover

• FishHawk

• Gibsonton

• Lake Magdalene

• Lutz

• Mango

• Plant City

• Progress Village

• Riverview

• Ruskin

• Seffner

• Sun City Center

• Temple Terrace

• Thonotosassa

• Town 'n' Country

• Valrico

• Wimauma

Pinellas County

• Bay Pines

• Bayonet Point

• Belleair

• Belleair Beach

• Belleair Bluffs

• Belleair Shore

• Clearwater

• Crystal Springs

• Dunedin

• East Lake-Orient Park

• Feather Sound

• Gulfport

• Highland City

• Indian Rocks Beach

• Indian Shores

• Kenneth City

• Largo

• Madeira Beach

• Oldsmar

• Palm Harbor

• Pinellas Park

• Redington Beach

• Redington Shores

• Safety Harbor

• Seminole

• South Pasadena

• St. Pete Beach

• St. Petersburg

• Tarpon Springs

• Tierra Verde

• Treasure Island

Pasco County

• Bayonet Point

• Dade City

• Elfers

• Holiday

• Hudson

• Hudson Beach

• Jasmine Estates

• Lacoochee

• Land O' Lakes

• Moon Lake

• New Port Richey

• New Port Richey East

• Odessa

• Port Richey

• San Antonio

• Shady Hills

• Spring Hill

• Trinity

• Wesley Chapel

• Zephyrhills

Is Beryllium in Drinking Water a Health Concern?

The EPA classifies Beryllium as a probable human carcinogen when inhaled. While less is known about health risks from ingesting Beryllium in drinking water, studies suggest it can accumulate in organs over time, potentially increasing cancer risk.

Beryllium is toxic and can damage the lungs and bones if too much enters the body. Drinking water contaminated with Beryllium over many years may increase the risk of lung cancer and bone damage. Those with chronic lung diseases may be more susceptible to Beryllium's toxic effects.

Sensitive populations including children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems face the greatest risk from drinking water with elevated Beryllium over time. The EPA has set a non-enforceable maximum contaminant level goal of 4 ppb (parts per billion) for Beryllium in drinking water to protect public health.

Recent tests of untreated water from aquifers and reservoirs supplying Tampa Bay counties found Beryllium at levels ranging from 6-12 ppb, exceeding the EPA's public health goal. While more research is needed, these results suggest the potential for increased health risks for sensitive populations if Beryllium is not reduced through treatment.

Solutions for Removing Beryllium from Drinking Water

Residents across Tampa Bay reliant on public water systems or private wells drawing from contaminated aquifers and reservoirs are right to be concerned about Beryllium in their tap water.

Thankfully, Beryllium can be effectively removed through many advanced drinking water treatment solutions, including:

• AquaLux Water Softener - Ion exchange water softeners remove Beryllium by exchanging harmless sodium ions for Beryllium ions.

• AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter - Activated carbon filters absorb Beryllium through adsorption.

• AquaBlue Whole House Filter - Multi-stage whole house filters combine several treatment methods to reduce Beryllium.

• AquaGuard UV System - Ultraviolet systems destroy any Beryllium-containing microorganisms.

• Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection - Chlorination oxidizes and deactivates Beryllium.

• HydroClear Ozone Generator - Ozone oxidation transforms Beryllium into forms more easily filtered.

• AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis - RO membranes filter out Beryllium ions through a semipermeable barrier.

• HydroTech Pro Commercial Systems - Large-scale treatment for public water systems and businesses.

• WellFusion Well Water Systems - Whole-house treatment tailored for private well water sources.

Proper ongoing maintenance and testing is also essential to ensure treatment systems are working optimally to reduce Beryllium to safe levels. An overarching multi-barrier approach combining several complementary technologies often provides the best protection.

Protect Your Health with Clean Water

Families across the greater Tampa Bay region deserve peace of mind knowing their tap water is free of hazardous Beryllium contamination. Take control of your health and contact the water quality experts at Aqua-Wise today to test your water and discuss the right solutions for your needs.

Schedule your free water test to check Beryllium levels and get ahead of this emerging health threat. Aqua-Wise offers flexible financing options to make whole house treatment affordable. Protect yourself and your loved ones with clean, contaminant-free water flowing from every tap.

More Resources:

The Floridan Aquifer System - Understanding the Risks and the Path to Clean Drinking Water

Exploring the Effects of Hard Water and Contaminants on Personal Care

Common Hard Water Problems You Shouldn't Ignore