The release of a report prepared by American Rivers has generated media coverage regarding chemicals in the Colorado River, including perchlorate. What is lost in some of this coverage is the fact that the actual levels of perchlorate present in the river water are currently very minute. According to the California Arizona Project Canal, current levels being detected are 2 to 4 parts per billion (ppb).
For perspective, the state of California recently set a Public Health Goal for perchlorate at 6 ppb. A Public Health Goal is intended to be a highly protective number, based solely on scientific data, to assure public health protection. Credible studies show levels as high as 200 ppb have no effect on human health.
For more information, please visit the “Safety” section on this site.