Butylated Hydroxyanisole in Connecticut Drinking Water
Butylated Hydroxyanisole has been detected in water systems serving 3,384 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about butylated hydroxyanisole in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.
What Is Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used as a food preservative and in industrial applications. It enters water through industrial discharge, landfill leachate, and food processing wastewater. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established. BHA is classified as a possible human carcinogen and may disrupt endocrine function, potentially affecting the reproductive system and hormone balance.
Is Butylated Hydroxyanisole in Your Water?
Enter your Connecticut ZIP code to find out if butylated hydroxyanisole is in your local water — and see personalized health risks for your household.
Check Your ZIP CodeHealth Effects of Butylated Hydroxyanisole
Possible carcinogen; may disrupt hormones and affect the reproductive system.
Where Does Butylated Hydroxyanisole Come From?
Food preservative that can leach into water from industrial discharge and landfills.
How to Reduce Butylated Hydroxyanisole in Your Water
- 1Install a point-of-use activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for organic contaminant reduction; activated carbon adsorbs phenolic antioxidant compounds.
- 2A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 provides additional removal of BHA and related synthetic organic compounds.
- 3For whole-house treatment, use a granular activated carbon system at the point of entry to reduce BHA in all household water.
- 4Test water through a certified laboratory if located near food processing plants or landfill sites, and replace carbon media on the recommended schedule.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Butylated Hydroxyanisole?
The safe level of butylated hydroxyanisole varies significantly depending on who is drinking the water. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for each member of your household:
A contaminant level that is safe for an adult may exceed guidelines for an infant by 4-8x or more. Check your ZIP code to see personalized results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butylated Hydroxyanisole in my tap water?▾
What level of Butylated Hydroxyanisole is safe?▾
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Related Contaminants
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About This Report
This water quality report is compiled from public records filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state health departments, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Contaminant levels are evaluated against EPA federal standards and health-based guidelines from leading environmental and public health organizations. CheckYourTap is a service of Valiant Energy Solutions, a Connecticut water quality and energy services company established in 1930.
Last updated March 2026