Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter

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What does a laboratory report for 1,2,3-trichloropropane actually show?

When testing water, a laboratory report lists detected concentrations of chemicals like 1,2,3-trichloropropane, often using micrograms per liter (µg/L), also called parts per billion (ppb). For 1,2,3-TCP, the reporting level is extremely low—0.03 µg/L—reflecting how sensitive and precise the measurement methods must be. This low threshold is set to help track very small amounts of this chlorinated solvent in water sources.

Why is the reporting level for 1,2,3-TCP thousands of times lower than that for common metals?

1,2,3-TCP is a synthetic chlorinated solvent found at trace levels in environmental water sources. Because of its potential health concern, monitoring requires detection limits far below those typical for metals like lead or iron. Metals are often monitored at levels of micrograms or even milligrams per liter, while 1,2,3-TCP is tracked at less than 0.03 µg/L. The low reporting level aims to capture even negligible traces to better understand distribution but does not alone indicate health risk or contamination.

How does the agricultural land-use history in Roswell relate to the occurrence of 1,2,3-TCP?

Roswell and surrounding areas in Chaves County rely on groundwater pumped from an aquifer with a history tied to agricultural activities. 1,2,3-TCP historically was used as a soil fumigant starting in the mid-1900s. Residual traces may appear decades later as slow migration through soil layers into groundwater. While federal monitoring between 2013 and 2015 detected no measurable 1,2,3-TCP above the reporting level in the Roswell Municipal Water System, this background explains why surveillance continues, reflecting past land use rather than current widespread contamination.

What does the measured range of 1,2,3-TCP mean in light of federal standards?

Federal regulation currently does not set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for 1,2,3-TCP, meaning there is no enforceable legal limit for this compound in drinking water. The EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) data from Roswell’s public water system show no detections above the 0.03 µg/L reporting threshold out of 26 sampling events. This means traces were not measured at or above that level during monitoring, but the absence of detection does not guarantee the constituent is fully absent at any given individual home. It also does not indicate violation or health risk based on regulatory standards.

How does seasonal or multi-year variation in 1,2,3-TCP levels appear in monitoring data?

Sampling in Roswell’s system occurred over several months in 2013 (April to October). Over this period, no measurements exceeded detection limits, indicating stable low levels at the system level during this timeframe. However, 1,2,3-TCP concentrations can vary with seasonal factors like groundwater recharge, water demand, and source mixing. Multi-year data beyond UCMR3 would be needed to identify long-term trends, but the single survey offers a snapshot rather than a comprehensive timeline.

How should a homeowner compare 1,2,3-TCP data from Roswell with nearby counties?

Comparing unregulated contaminant monitoring results between neighboring counties requires caution. Differences in water sources, land use, and sampling protocols influence detections. For example, a neighboring county with more intensive fumigation history or different groundwater geology may register different 1,2,3-TCP levels. These regional data inform general awareness but cannot predict the condition of water at any individual residence, which requires specific water testing.

How do I decide on the treatment capacity for my household's 1,2,3-TCP needs?

Choosing treatment capacity depends on daily water consumption and the concentration of 1,2,3-TCP to address. Since the Roswell system data show no detection above 0.03 µg/L, treatment might focus on preventative or aesthetic concerns rather than high removal demands. For households wishing to reduce any presence of 1,2,3-trichloropropane, the Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to target this chlorinated solvent effectively. Its capacity should match the volume of water used daily to ensure adequate contact time and contaminant contact for treatment.

What should I not infer from area-level 1,2,3-TCP data?

While Roswell’s municipal water system monitoring found no detectable 1,2,3-trichloropropane above the reporting threshold during the sample period, this does not guarantee individual well or home water is free of this compound. Area data do not replace direct testing of your household water. Furthermore, a detection of 1,2,3-TCP, or levels below reporting limits, is not an indication of health risk or regulatory violation. Making decisions about water treatment should be based on your own water analysis and consultation with technology designed for your needs, such as the Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter for households considering options to address this chlorinated solvent.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-10-16. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Roswell Municipal Water System (NM3520203), NM: 26 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level