Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter

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Local Water Source and System Overview

The city of Pierre in Hughes County draws its public water supply from surface water sources, serving over 14,000 residents through more than 5,000 service connections. The publicly operated system undergoes regular monitoring as part of federal programs to characterize unregulated contaminants like 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP). Water treatment and distribution lead to the delivery of potable water that meets EPA health-based standards, with no recorded violations for this constituent.

Agricultural Land Use and Its Mapping to 1,2,3-TCP Detection

Hughes County includes areas where agricultural practices have historically involved chlorinated solvents in soil fumigation. This background can be relevant in understanding the potential occurrence of 1,2,3-TCP in local water sources. However, monitoring data from the public system during the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule cycle found no detections of 1,2,3-TCP above the reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), equivalent to 0.03 parts per billion (ppb). This result suggests that agricultural land use has not translated into measurable levels of this chlorinated solvent in the system’s surface water sources sampled.

The Significance of the Low Reporting Level for 1,2,3-TCP

The threshold used for reporting 1,2,3-TCP in this survey is set at 0.03 µg/L, a level thousands of times lower than those used for many common metals. This reflects the heightened analytical sensitivity required for chlorinated solvents due to their trace presence and the challenges in detection. It is important to note that a non-detection at this low level does not equate to an absolute absence but indicates amounts below the limit measurable by EPA-approved methods during monitoring.

Separate Role of Plumbing Materials and Age

While the source water data provide a system-wide overview, the materials and age of household plumbing can influence final water quality at the tap. For 1,2,3-TCP, this constituent is not generated or affected by plumbing components, since it is a synthetic organic chemical not related to typical pipe corrosion or leaching processes. Thus, plumbing does not contribute to the presence or concentration of this chlorinated solvent; any detected levels would originate from the source water or distribution system.

Differentiating 1,2,3-TCP from Similar Water Constituents

1,2,3-TCP is often confused with other chlorinated solvents or volatile organic compounds but is unique in its chemical structure and uses. Unlike chlorides or total dissolved solids that primarily impact taste and corrosivity, 1,2,3-TCP is a synthetic solvent historically used in manufacturing and fumigation. Unlike metals such as arsenic or lead, it is not a naturally occurring element in water. Understanding these distinctions helps households assess specific concerns and appropriate treatment options from general water chemistry issues.

Considerations for Larger or Seasonal Residences

Larger households or seasonal homes in Hughes County may experience different water usage patterns but the source water quality and system monitoring results remain consistent across connections. For second homes or properties with intermittent occupancy, maintaining water quality may involve flushing or filtration when the property is reoccupied. Since 1,2,3-TCP is not influenced by household plumbing or stagnation, the primary focus remains on the source water and treatment at the point of use.

Recommended Testing for Household Decision-Making

The definitive step for a Hughes County residence weighing treatment options for 1,2,3-trichloropropane is to obtain a certified laboratory analysis of their own water sample, focusing on TCP concentration in micrograms per liter or parts per billion. This test will confirm whether detectable levels above the reporting threshold exist at the tap. If so, employing a documented product like the Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter, which ships ready to configure, offers a targeted approach to address this chlorinated solvent. Confirming the household-specific condition enables an informed choice between technical treatment methods.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-09-10. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Pierre (SD4600242), SD: 24 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level