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Table 11 Current internationally used guideline and limit values for the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water

From: Assessing the relevance of atmospheric heavy metal deposition with regard to ecosystem integrity and human health in Germany

Directive or regulation

Reference and limit values for the concentration in drinking water [mg l−1]

Pb

Cd

Hg

As

Cr

Cu

Zn

Drinking Water Ordinance for Germany [38]

0.01

0.003

0.001

0.01

0.05

2

–

WHO guideline [93]

0.01

0.003

0.001a

0.006b

0.01

0.05

2

–

EU-Directive 2013/39/EU [16]

0.01

0.005

0.001

0.01

0.05

2

 

USA [94]

0.015

0.005

0.002

0.01

0.1

–

 

Canada [95]

0.01

0.005

0.001

0.01

0.05

1

5

  1. aFor total mercury
  2. bFor inorganic mercury