The City of Riverton’s public water system, serving approximately 10,330 people in Fremont County, WY, reported zero detections of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) above the monitoring reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion) according to data from 2013 to 2015. This chlorinated solvent, often called TCP, was monitored under EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3), which gathers occurrence data but does not establish health standards. This briefing clarifies how this data relates to household water treatment decisions and what residents should consider when evaluating options.
1. How California's 5 Nanogram per Liter State Limit Compares with the Absence of a Federal MCL
California has set a stringent public health goal of 5 nanograms per liter (ng/L), equivalent to 0.005 µg/L, for 1,2,3-TCP in drinking water. This is significantly lower than the EPA’s federal reporting level of 0.03 µg/L used for occurrence monitoring. However, there is currently no enforceable federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for 1,2,3-TCP. The City of Riverton’s data showed no detection above the EPA’s reporting threshold, indicating TCP concentrations, if present, fall below this federal measurement benchmark. The difference between California’s advisory and federal standards means treatment needs will depend on individual water tests rather than area-wide data alone.
2. Why the Reporting Level for this Solvent Is Thousands of Times Lower Than for Common Metals
1,2,3-TCP is a synthetic chlorinated solvent used historically in agriculture and industrial applications. It is monitored at parts per trillion (ppt) or low parts per billion (ppb) levels due to its potential health concerns, which is why the reporting level is set at 0.03 µg/L. This is much lower than typical reporting levels for metals like iron or manganese, which are measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). The low concentration benchmarks reflect the chemical’s potency at trace levels rather than the presence of aesthetic effects or common water quality issues.
3. How Sample Depth, Well Depth or Source Type Changes What a Reader Should Expect
The City of Riverton’s water supply comes from surface water, which often differs from well water sources in contaminant profiles. Surface water can have different exposure pathways and fewer legacy solvent detections compared to groundwater wells that might interact with historically treated soil. Since the monitoring pertains to the municipal source and distribution system, residents with private wells or alternative sources should consider separate testing focused on their specific water source depth and conditions to determine 1,2,3-TCP presence accurately.
4. How to Compare This Area's Record with a Neighboring County's Without Overreading It
Comparing 1,2,3-TCP data from Riverton with other counties requires caution. Differences in land use, water sources, testing methods, and regulatory standards can influence occurrence data. A neighboring county might show detections where Riverton does not, or vice versa, without implying one area's water is universally safer or riskier. Such comparisons should support awareness and guide testing decisions rather than presuppose individual water quality conditions.
5. What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property
Household size and usage patterns affect water treatment system sizing and maintenance. Larger households typically require treatment equipment with higher flow capacity and media volume to handle daily consumption without reduced performance. For second homes or seasonal properties, treatment considerations include long idle periods and potential for water quality changes during vacancy. The documented Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure for various household sizes and usage patterns, providing flexibility for diverse residential needs.
In summary, municipal monitoring in Riverton, Fremont County, WY, found no 1,2,3-TCP above the EPA’s reporting level within the public water system that serves most households. This occurrence data reflects federal sampling from surface water sources and does not substitute for individual home water testing, which is necessary to determine personal 1,2,3-TCP concentrations. Residents are encouraged to consult testing laboratories for specific analysis and consider treatment options where detected. The Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter is engineered to address this chlorinated solvent when present, offering a direct-purchase solution adaptable to different household demands. For official records and further details, see the EPA public water system data for City of Riverton (WY5600047).
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-08-26. 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 Riverton (WY5600047), WY: 28 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level