Many households in Waipahu-Ewa-Waianae wonder if 1,2,3-TCP is present in their water and how severe it might be. Federal data collected from 2013 to 2015 for the public water system serving this area offers insight without directly measuring any individual home’s water. According to EPA records, 1,2,3-trichloropropane (or TCP) was detected in 4 out of 39 samples taken from groundwater sources. The highest detected concentration was 0.44 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which equals 0.44 parts per billion (ppb). However, there are no federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for this compound, and no health-based violations have been recorded for this system.
Why 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Resists Air Stripping and What That Means for Treatment Choice
A common belief is that typical water treatment methods like air stripping effectively remove all solvents, including 1,2,3-TCP. In reality, 1,2,3-trichloropropane resists air stripping due to its chemical properties. This means relying solely on air stripping devices will not significantly reduce TCP levels in water. Households concerned about this chlorinated solvent must consider alternative technologies specifically suited to address it, rather than assuming conventional methods will suffice.
Why the Reporting Level for This Solvent Is Thousands of Times Lower Than for Common Metals
Another frequent assumption is that the reporting level for 1,2,3-trichloropropane detection is similar to those for metals like lead or copper. The EPA’s reporting level for TCP is actually much lower—0.03 micrograms per liter—reflecting the heightened sensitivity of detection methods for this compound. This low threshold does not imply a health violation; it simply means that even trace amounts of TCP can be detected, which helps monitor its occurrence more precisely.
How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record (Dates and Ranges Given)
Some believe that TCP levels in water remain constant over time. The EPA data from July 2013 to January 2015 shows variation in detection: 4 out of 39 measurements found this chlorinated solvent above the reporting level, while other samples showed no detection. This variability over 18 months suggests that the presence of 1,2,3-TCP may fluctuate due to factors such as groundwater movement or source changes, not necessarily implying a steady contamination level.
The Order in Which to Rule Things Out, From Cheapest Check to Laboratory Test
If you are concerned about 1,2,3-trichloropropane in your household water, begin with straightforward steps. First, review any recent water quality reports your supplier provides, which often include contaminant data. Next, consult a certified laboratory for a detailed water test specifically measuring TCP at or below the EPA’s reporting level. Because regional data cannot predict individual well or tap water concentrations, testing your own water is the only way to know your household’s specific condition for sure.
What the Measured Range Means Against the Relevant Federal Standard, and What It Does Not Mean
The EPA monitoring data recorded 1,2,3-TCP concentrations up to 0.44 micrograms per liter without any federal health-based violations. Since no MCL exists for this solvent, these detections do not represent a violation or indicate that the water is unsafe. Rather, they reveal the compound’s occurrence at low but measurable levels in a large public water system serving more than 200,000 people. Understanding this distinction prevents overestimation of risk and guides realistic responses to water quality concerns.
Summary
This page has examined common beliefs about 1,2,3-trichloropropane in Waipahu-Ewa-Waianae water by checking the EPA’s 2013-2015 public water system record. It covered why conventional air stripping is ineffective for TCP, the significance of reporting levels, temporal variation in detections, and practical testing steps. Households seeking a documented water treatment solution can consider the Autotrol 1,2,3-TCP Filter, which ships ready to configure and is designed to address this chlorinated solvent specifically, complementing informed water quality decisions.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-01-13. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Waipahu-Ewa-Waianae (HI0000335), HI: 39 results across 1 listed contaminants, 4 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL
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