This week, households in Brown County face the choice of whether and how to address 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) in their water. While no 1,2,3-TCP was detected above 0.03 micrograms per litre (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb) in the Aberdeen surface water system between 2013 and 2015, deciding on treatment depends on several factors beyond these federal occurrence measurements.
Agricultural Land-Use History and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Detection in Brown County
The presence of 1,2,3-TCP in water sources can relate to past agricultural activities where chlorinated solvents were once used. In Brown County, sampling by the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) showed no detections above the reporting level in Aberdeen's public surface water supply. This suggests that while the region's agricultural history may have involved chemicals that break down into 1,2,3-TCP, the public water system's record does not indicate measurable levels during the monitored period. Homeowners should note these results describe the system overall, not individual wells or taps.
Impact of Household Type: Large Homes, Second Homes, and Seasonal Properties
The decision on treatment varies with household size and usage patterns. Larger households or those using water intensively may prioritize treatment technologies capable of handling consistent 1,2,3-trichloropropane presence should future testing reveal measurable concentrations. Seasonal or secondary homes might weigh the cost and effort differently, as intermittent water use affects water age in plumbing and potential exposure. Since Aberdeen’s system serves nearly 28,000 people through almost 9,000 connections, its treatment approach suits broad use but individual property circumstances may differ.
Sample and Well Depth Influence on Water Expectations
The depth at which water samples are taken and the nature of the water source—surface versus groundwater—affect what one might find regarding 1,2,3-TCP. Aberdeen’s supply relies on surface water, generally less prone to 1,2,3-TCP accumulation than groundwater wells that may have longer exposure to contaminated soil layers. If a household uses a private well, testing that well is essential to know if 1,2,3-trichloropropane is present. The federal system results cannot substitute for these specific tests because local geology and well construction influence concentrations.
Changes in Treated Water Quality at the Tap with Fleck Technology
When 1,2,3-TCP is present in water, treatment technology designed for chlorinated solvents modifies the water chemistry at the tap. The Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and addresses low-level chlorinated solvent presence including 1,2,3-trichloropropane. It’s designed to reduce parts per billion levels of the chlorinated solvent, improving water quality at household points of use. This treatment does not rely on air stripping and fits residential demands with continuous flow and modest maintenance.
Why Air Stripping Is Less Effective for 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Treatment
Unlike some volatile organic compounds, 1,2,3-TCP’s chemical properties make it resistant to removal by air stripping. This means treatment methods that introduce air to remove contaminants may not adequately lower TCP levels. This chemical stability necessitates alternative technologies, such as adsorption or catalytic breakdown, to address TCP effectively at household scale. Choosing treatment should consider this resistance to avoid ineffective methods.
Comparing Brown County’s 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Record with Neighboring Areas
Brown County’s public water system shows no detectable 1,2,3-TCP above 0.03 µg/L in sampling from 2013 to 2015. Comparing this to neighboring counties requires caution, as sampling dates, water sources, and agricultural histories vary. Regional records provide context but do not replace individual water testing. Trends over time and different systems’ monitoring practices influence observed 1,2,3-trichloropropane levels. Households should view neighboring data as background information rather than direct evidence of their own water quality.
For residents deciding on treatment for 1,2,3-trichloropropane in Brown County, measuring household water demand and testing the water supply source are critical first steps. The Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter offers a documented option that ships ready to configure and targets chlorinated solvent concentrations relevant to residential use. Selecting the right approach depends on informed understanding of local records, property-specific factors, and treatment technology capabilities.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-09-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Aberdeen (SD4600020), SD: 4 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level