Atrazine

Category: organic

Written by WaterFilterMatch Editorial TeamApril 2026

EPA MCL

0.003 mg/L

Status

EPA Regulated

NSF Standard

NSF/ANSI 53

Health Effects

Cardiovascular system and reproductive problems with long-term exposure. Associated with hormonal disruption (endocrine disruptor). Some studies link low-level exposure during pregnancy to increased risk of preterm birth. EWG health guideline is 0.1 ppb - 30 times stricter than the EPA MCL.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

Where It Comes From

One of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S., primarily for corn and sorghum crops. Runs off from agricultural fields into surface water and can leach into groundwater.

Where It's Commonly Found

Surface water and groundwater in agricultural areas of the Midwest, Great Plains, and Southeast. Peak contamination occurs during spring planting season (April–June). Banned in the European Union since 2004.

Detected in thousands of water systems across agricultural regions. One of the most frequently detected pesticides in U.S. drinking water. Some systems routinely exceed the MCL during peak application season.