Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is
resistant to heat and most chemicals. It has been used in more
than 3,000 different products and in the construction industry.
Asbestos is grouped with the other 14 Inorganic Contaminants
regulated in drinking water. It may occur in drinking water by a
corrosive action on asbestos cement pipe contained in a water
system. Asbestos has been known to be a carcinogen if subjected
to long-term exposure above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
Short-term exposure at levels above the Maximum Contaminant
Level is not known to cause any health problems. Do the Asbestos
regulations apply to my water system? Yes, if you are served by
a community or non-transient non-community public water system,
the asbestos regulations apply to your system. If asbestos is
unlikely to occur in your water source and your water system
does not have asbestos cement pipe, your system may be granted a
sampling waiver. A public water system that is granted a waiver
will not have to