If You Consider the Agricultural History of Albany County Relating to 1,2,3-TCP
In Albany County, Wyoming, land use over past decades has included agricultural activities that occasionally introduce chlorinated solvents like 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) into surface and groundwater. The City of Laramie’s water supply is drawn from surface sources which may reflect regional land-use impacts. While agricultural chemical use can relate to TCP presence, EPA monitoring in Laramie’s public water system did not detect any measurable 1,2,3-TCP in samples collected between 2013 and 2015. This suggests that, regionally, agricultural history has not resulted in detectable levels of this chlorinated solvent in municipal water at the recorded times and locations.
If You Wonder Why the EPA’s Reporting Level for 1,2,3-TCP Is Set So Low Compared to Metals
The reporting level for 1,2,3-trichloropropane in water quality surveys is 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), equivalent to 0.03 parts per billion (ppb). This threshold is much lower than standards set for common metals such as copper or lead because 1,2,3-TCP is a synthetic chlorinated solvent linked to long-term health concerns even at extremely small concentrations. The low reporting level increases detection sensitivity, allowing early identification of trace amounts far below any enforceable federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), which currently do not exist for TCP. Thus, detection at or above this reporting level means the compound was measured, not that the water is unsafe.
If You Want to Know Which Household Fixtures and Processes Are Most Sensitive to TCP Presence
1,2,3-TCP is a volatile chlorinated solvent that generally does not cause immediate taste, odor, or staining effects. Its impact is primarily related to long-term health risks, making its presence subtle in everyday household use. Household water fixtures such as drinking fountains, ice makers, and kitchen taps where water is consumed are the most relevant points to consider. Appliances using water for cooking or drinking would be the first to be affected if 1,2,3-trichloropropane reached concerning levels. Since the City of Laramie’s records show no detections of TCP above the reporting level, typical household use currently shows no evidence of such exposure. Still, testing your own home water is the only way to know your specific water conditions.
If You Need a Worked Example of How to Interpret Laramie’s Median and Range TCP Data
The EPA’s unregulated contaminant monitoring data for the City of Laramie water system reports 10 samples collected over several months in 2013 with none detecting 1,2,3-trichloropropane at or above 0.03 µg/L. Since there were no detections, the median and range for TCP are effectively zero at this reporting threshold, indicating that all tested samples were below the EPA’s ability to measure this chlorinated solvent at these low concentrations. For a homeowner, this means the regional public water system’s data suggest TCP is not measurably present, but individual home water could differ due to private plumbing or localized sources, so separate testing is advisable before deciding on treatment.
If You Leave 1,2,3-TCP Untested or Untreated Over Years
While municipal water in Laramie shows no detectable 1,2,3-trichloropropane, private water sources or changes in water quality could introduce this chlorinated solvent into household water. TCP is persistent and does not break down quickly, so if present over many years, it may accumulate to levels worth addressing. Chronic consumption of chlorinated solvents like 1,2,3-TCP, even at low concentrations, is associated with potential health effects that are still being studied. Without periodic water quality checks, homeowners cannot be certain of exposure or the need for action. Monitoring your household water through a reliable laboratory test specifically for TCP can inform whether treatment is warranted.
When a measured demand for addressing 1,2,3-TCP emerges, the Autotrol 1,2,3-TCP Filter is a documented option that ships ready to configure for residential water treatment. It is designed to target chlorinated solvents such as 1,2,3-trichloropropane, providing an effective solution should testing reveal a need for treatment.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-11-19. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for City of Laramie (WY5600029), WY: 10 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level