Lithium Detected at High Levels in Drinking Water Across US Tribal Communities

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that tap water in Tribal communities in Arizona, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma frequently exceeds the U.S. Geological Survey’s non‑enforceable health‑based screening level of 10 µg/L for lithium. Every sample from Arizona and 93 % of those from the Dakotas were above the threshold.

Lithium concentrations in household water were strongly linked to urinary lithium levels, which remained stable over a 15‑year period, indicating persistent long‑term exposure. The researchers analyzed water from 673 homes and paired urine samples from 613 participants in the Strong Heart Family Study.

The authors stress the need for continued environmental monitoring as lithium demand for batteries and energy storage is projected to increase more than six‑fold by 2050. While lithium occurs naturally, expanding mining and processing near Tribal lands may raise exposure risks, prompting calls for risk evaluation and potential drinking‑water standards.