Mercury (inorganic)
metal
Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands.
EPA regulatory status
Legal limit (MCL)
0.002 mg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0.002 mg/L
MCL 0.002 mg/L (2 ppb). MCLG = 0.002 mg/L.
Health effects
Long-term exposure is associated with kidney damage.
This is general public-health information, not medical advice — consult your physician with any health concerns.
National violations
36,761
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 36,761 violations of Mercury (inorganic)'s rule nationally.
How to remove Mercury (inorganic)
Frequently asked questions
What is Mercury (inorganic)?
Mercury (inorganic) is a metal regulated in US drinking water. Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands.
What is the legal limit for Mercury (inorganic) in drinking water?
MCL 0.002 mg/L (2 ppb). MCLG = 0.002 mg/L.
What health effects does Mercury (inorganic) have?
Long-term exposure is associated with kidney damage.
How many violations of Mercury (inorganic) limits are on record nationally?
EPA's enforcement data (SDWIS/ECHO) records 36,761 violations of Mercury (inorganic)'s rule nationally.
How do I remove Mercury (inorganic) from my water?
Filter technologies certified to reduce Mercury (inorganic) include: activated carbon (NSF/ANSI 53), reverse osmosis (NSF/ANSI 58). Look for a filter independently certified against the specific NSF/ANSI standard for this contaminant — general "reduces contaminants" marketing claims are not the same as a contaminant-specific certification.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations · Data as of 2026-07-16