Federal sampling for the Security Water System in El Paso County, Colorado, shows 1,4-Dioxane detected in multiple samples from 2013 to 2015, with levels ranging from just above the reporting limit to 0.17 micrograms per liter (µg/L).
1. What the measured 1,4-Dioxane range means and does not mean
Detection versus legal limits
The Security Water System’s monitoring recorded detections of 1,4-Dioxane mostly between 0.07 and 0.17 µg/L. While no federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists for 1,4-Dioxane, the EPA’s cancer risk reference concentration is 0.35 µg/L. None of the samples approached this reference point.
Interpretation of detected levels
A detection above the reporting limit simply means an instrument measured 1,4-Dioxane at those levels; it is neither a violation nor an indication of unsafe water. The water system has no health-based violations on record. Household conditions can differ and require specific testing for confirmed levels.
2. Additional questions commercial or industrial users consider
Volume and usage impact
Commercial and industrial operators generally assess water quality over larger volumes and may apply different risk or treatment criteria, unlike residential households focused on drinking and daily use concerns.
Regulatory compliance needs
Businesses may require more frequent or specialized testing to meet occupational or process standards, which are beyond the scope of this household-focused review.
3. Comparing El Paso County to neighboring areas without overreading data
Variation in detection rates
Neighboring counties may show different 1,4-Dioxane detection frequencies or levels due to variations in source water and environmental factors. These differences do not imply superior or inferior water safety, only differing regional water chemistry.
Caution against assumptions
It is important not to attribute system-wide data to individual homes or to assume uniform water quality across all connections within El Paso County.
4. Plumbing material and age as separate factors
Potential influences on water quality
Household plumbing materials and the age of pipes can affect water characteristics independently from the source water. These can contribute to changes in aesthetic qualities or minor chemical interactions, but do not directly relate to 1,4-Dioxane levels measured at the water system source.
Importance of home-specific assessment
Because plumbing affects water after it leaves the source, household testing remains the only way to know actual 1,4-Dioxane levels at the tap.
5. Considerations for large households, second homes, or seasonal properties
Variation in water use patterns
Larger households or those using water intermittently might experience differences in contaminant concentration due to water stagnation or system dynamics.
Need for customized water testing
Such properties should consider targeted testing to understand their specific water quality and whether additional treatment is needed.
To confirm 1,4-Dioxane levels in your home water, order a qualified laboratory test specifically measuring that compound. If results indicate a concern or if your existing equipment has failed, the Pentair 1,4-Dioxane Filter ships ready to configure as a direct purchase and is documented to reduce 1,4-Dioxane effectively under typical household conditions.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-10-27. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Security WSD (CO0121775), CO: 38 results across 1 listed contaminants, 26 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL; EPA cancer risk reference concentration 0.35 ug/L
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