Health advisory level (HAL)s are developed when a chemical is found in drinking water and no regulatory standard (MCL) exists for the chemical. The HAL concentration of a chemical in drinking water is a value that, based on the available data, is virtually certain not to cause adverse human health effects if consumed over a lifetime. HALs provide guidance for the public and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on the potential for these chemicals to cause harm to humans.
The maximum contaminant level (MCL) is a standard established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the Safe Drinking Water Act. It represents an acceptable level of a chemical under specified conditions that ensures the safety of a public drinking water supply. MCLs are used by DEP to regulate theย level of chemicals allowed in drinking water.
Acronyms used: HAL = Health Advisory Level
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level
Chemical Fact Sheets
Following are fact sheets with information on selected chemicals.