Why a Low-Level Detection Is Reported to Three Decimal Places and What Precision Means Here
When 1,4-dioxane is detected in water samples at a local or regional level, measurements often extend to three decimal places, such as 0.070 micrograms per liter (µg/L). This level of precision reflects the sensitivity of the instruments used in federal surveys, not an indication of contamination severity. It means the equipment can detect and quantify very small amounts, helping researchers understand background levels in the environment around Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Wells, and York County.
The Difference Between a UCMR3 Detection and a State Notification Level for Dioxane
The EPA’s third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) surveyed public water systems including the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District. During 2013–2015, all reported 1,4-dioxane results were below the reporting level of 0.07 µg/L, meaning no measurement exceeded it. This federal survey is not a compliance test, so detected levels do not represent legal violations or safety concerns. State notification levels, when applicable, may differ but are administrative thresholds rather than health-based limits.
What 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
A detection indicates that the cyclic ether was measured above the instrument’s minimum reporting level during sampling—not that the water is unsafe. The median value summarizes the middle point of all measurements, while the range shows the minimum and maximum results recorded. For the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells system, no samples showed 1,4-dioxane above the reporting limit, so median and range indicate consistently low to undetectable levels.
What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property
Households with higher water use or seasonal homes might consider verifying their own water quality separately, as regional system data may not capture individual well or plumbing conditions. Especially when previous equipment has failed, testing specific to the home is necessary to determine the presence and concentration of the solvent stabiliser. Once confirmed, direct-purchase equipment ships ready to configure for treating the cyclic ether and maintaining water quality tailored to the household’s needs.
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits, Applied to This Constituent
Some substances like chloride or total dissolved solids have aesthetic secondary standards to address taste, staining, or corrosiveness, distinct from health-based limits. For 1,4-dioxane, the EPA has established a cancer risk reference concentration of 0.35 µg/L (parts per billion) but no maximum contaminant level (MCL) exists. The absence of a health-based violation in local records means that detected values do not imply health risk or safety concerns for consumers served by the public water system.
How the Constituent Enters Groundwater or the Distribution System in This Region
1,4-dioxane, known as a solvent stabiliser and cyclic ether, can enter water sources via industrial discharges, landfill leachate, or runoff associated with degreasing or consumer products. The water system serving York County relies on surface water, which is subject to extensive monitoring. The regional federal data indicate that these sources have not led to measurable elevated levels in the public supply, but household testing remains the best way to verify specific conditions.
What You Should Not Conclude From Area Data
Area-wide government data show no health-based violations for 1,4-dioxane in the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells system, but they do not provide concentration details for individual homes or wells. Detection in the survey is a measurement, not an indicator of contamination or safety hazard. If your existing equipment has failed, testing your home’s water for 1,4-dioxane concentration is essential before selecting a treatment solution such as the Pentair 1,4-Dioxane Filter, which ships ready to configure to address this specific constituent.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-11-25. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells WD (ME0090760), ME: 8 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level