What is a Public Health Goal (PHG)?

A PHG is the level of a chemical contaminant in drinking water that does not pose a significant risk to health.  PHGs are not regulatory standards.  However, state law requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to set drinking water standards for chemical contaminants as close to the corresponding PHG as is economically and technologically feasible.  In some cases, it may not be feasible for SWRCB to set drinking water standard for a contaminant at the same level as the PHG.  The technology to treat the chemicals may not be available, or the cost of treatment may be very high.  SWRCB must consider these factors when developing a drinking water standard.

For more information, view OEHHA's website


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1. What is a Public Health Goal (PHG)?
2. What is a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG)?
3. What is a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)?