Benzene in U.S. Drinking Water
Health-based violation data for Benzene from EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Covers all community water systems with violations on record.
Benzene has been found in violation of EPA standards in 54 water systems across 17 states, with 284 total health-based violations recorded. The most affected states are Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland.
Benzene is regulated under the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, which sets enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and associated treatment technique requirements for public water systems. The EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) tracks every recorded violation nationwide and links it back to the specific public water system (PWSID), violation type, and begin date.
Across the United States, SDWIS records show 284 health-based violations for Benzene affecting 54 community water systems in 17 states. Violation counts cluster heaviest in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, with Florida alone accounting for 36 violations across 2 systems. EPA health-effect summaries describe the specific exposure concerns that drove the federal standard.
A health-based violation does not mean residents were necessarily harmed, it means the contaminant exceeded the federal MCL in a compliance sample, triggering notification and remediation requirements. States and utilities maintain primary enforcement responsibility. To check the status of a specific water system, request its most recent Consumer Confidence Report or consult the EPA's Drinking Water Watch portal for the corresponding state.
What are the health effects of this contaminant?
Benzene is a volatile organic compound. Long-term exposure is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult your doctor for personalized health guidance U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult your doctor for personalized health guidance
Violations by State
States ranked by number of health-based violations for Benzene.
| # | State | Violations | Systems Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 36 | 2 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | 19 | 4 |
| 3 | Maryland | 14 | 1 |
| 4 | Oregon | 12 | 1 |
| 5 | Idaho | 11 | 2 |
| 6 | Texas | 11 | 2 |
| 7 | Illinois | 8 | 2 |
| 8 | Arizona | 5 | 1 |
| 9 | Alabama | 4 | 2 |
| 10 | Connecticut | 4 | 2 |
| 11 | Colorado | 3 | 1 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 3 | 1 |
| 13 | New York | 2 | 2 |
| 14 | Oklahoma | 2 | 1 |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 2 | 1 |
| 16 | Iowa | 1 | 1 |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1 | 1 |
Most Affected Water Systems
Top 50 water systems by number of Benzene health-based violations.
| Water System | State | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| LEESBURG, CITY OF | FL | 32 |
| PHELPS MOBILE HOME VILLA | MD | 14 |
| INTERLACHEN WATER PUD | OR | 12 |
| SALEM HEIGHTS ESTATE | PA | 12 |
| TERRACE LAKES WATER COMPANY | ID | 9 |
| HARRIS COUNTY WCID 50 EL LAGO | TX | 8 |
| DUNCAN TOWN OF | AZ | 5 |
| POYNETTE MOBILE ESTATES | IL | 5 |
| LAKE FAIRWAYS MOBILE HOME PARK | FL | 4 |
| SHADY BACK ACRES MHP | PA | 4 |
| SOUTH CRENSHAW COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | AL | 3 |
| HOTCHKISS TOWN OF | CO | 3 |
| NORTH CHICAGO | IL | 3 |
| COUNTRY RIDGE MOBILE HOME PARK | NH | 3 |
| RENN ROAD MUD | TX | 3 |
| FORT HALL | ID | 2 |
| HOP RIVER HOMES | CT | 2 |
| FOX LAUREL MOBILE HOME PARK, LLC | CT | 2 |
| SUMMIT RIDGE RETIREMENT CENTER, INC. | OK | 2 |
| LCA WLSA CENTRAL DIVISION | PA | 2 |
| KNOLLCREST | WI | 2 |
| EXCEL, TOWN OF | AL | 1 |
| FLOYD MUNI WATER SUPPLY | IA | 1 |
| WOOD RIVER VALLEY MOBILE HOME PARK | NE | 1 |
| WHITE PINES SOUTH | NY | 1 |
| 796 BEDFORD ROAD APARTMENTS | NY | 1 |
| HIGHRIDGE WATER AUTH | PA | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Benzene in my water?
Benzene has been detected in violation of EPA health standards in 54 water systems across 17 states. To check your specific utility, look up your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - water systems are required to disclose all violations.
How many water systems have Benzene violations?
EPA SDWIS records show 54 community water systems with health-based Benzene violations, totaling 284 violations. These represent cases where the contaminant exceeded the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
Which states have the most Benzene violations?
The states with the most Benzene violations are: Florida (36 violations), Pennsylvania (19 violations), Maryland (14 violations), Oregon (12 violations), Idaho (11 violations).
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About This Data
Violation data is from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Only health-based violations are shown, these include Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and Treatment Technique (TT) violations. Monitoring and reporting violations are excluded. Data may not reflect the most current enforcement actions.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SDWIS Federal Reporting Services U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SDWIS Federal Reporting Services
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.