Lithium in Tribal drinking water study
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026
The study highlights potential environmental liabilities for lithium mining and water utilities, as regulatory scrutiny may increase. Battery and electric vehicle companies face reputational risk if lithium extraction is linked to contamination.
A study from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, published in Nature (journal): Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, found widespread lithium in household drinking water across Tribal communities in United States — Arizona, United States — North Dakota, United States — South Dakota, and United States — Oklahoma City. Researchers measured lithium in tap water from 673 homes (2022-2024) and compared with urinary lithium from 613 Strong Heart Family Study participants over 15 years. Median water lithium was 35.6 µg/L; 100% of United States — Arizona samples, 93% of Dakota samples, and 35% of United States — Oklahoma City samples exceeded the USGS health-based screening level of 10 µg/L. Urinary lithium remained stable over 15 years, and water lithium explained 29% of urinary variation. The study establishes a baseline as lithium demand is projected to increase six-fold by 2050 for batteries. Lithium is not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and health effects of chronic low-level exposure remain uncertain.
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