Acrylamide in Drinking Water Information:

Properties:

Acrylamide is a relatively small molecule that is colourless and odourless when dissolved in water and is most commonly used in water treatment for flocculation and coagulation or as a grouting agent in water storage tanks. Among a variety of other industrial sources, acrylamide can also form in foods cooked at very high temperatures. Acrylamide is not generally tested for or monitored by water service providers as exceedances are rare.1

Sources:

Individual molecules of acrylamide are linked together to form the chemical polyacrylamide, and both polyacrylamides and acrylamides are used for flocculation and coagulation in wastewater treatment and as grouting agents in water tanks and reservoirs.2 If a water treatment plant does not properly regulate their flocculation processes, acrylamide could be present in the water post-treatment and make its way into drinking water sources. An exceedance of recommended levels could also indicate that grouting agents with acrylamides were used to construct water storage vessels.  

Regulations:

The limit for acrylamide in drinking water is 10 micrograms per litre (µg/L).

Health/Environmental Concerns:

Acrylamide is a known neurotoxin that can cause disorientation, hallucination, drowsiness, memory problems, and other related symptoms.2 Additionally, it is listed as a likely carcinogen in humans. In the environment, acrylamide in water or soil can be broken down through biodegradation; however, it can still adversely affect organisms like fish and therefore should be removed from wastewater effluent.

Action:

Acrylamide levels are generally of little concern; if acrylamide-based products are properly regulated and used correctly, it is unlikely that an exceedance will occur. However, contact your Water Services Authority if you suspect that your water is contaminated. If drinking water makes you ill, contact a doctor right away.

1Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Acrylamide in Drinking Water; Vol. 2; World Health Organisation: Switzerland, 1996.

2World Health Organisation: Acrylamide in Drinking Water. Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. 1996. Vol 2.