Government sampling conducted by the EPA within the Lihue-Kapaa public water system in Kauai County shows that 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) was detected in 5 out of 45 samples collected between July 2014 and July 2015. Detected levels ranged up to 0.086 micrograms per liter, with a median detection concentration of 0.055 micrograms per liter. This system draws from surface water sources and serves over 11,000 connections and nearly 35,000 people. Importantly, no health-based violations have been recorded for 1,2,3-TCP or any other contaminant in this water system.
1. What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property
Households with higher daily water usage, multiple residences, or seasonal occupancy often place greater demand on their existing water treatment setups. A system that manages routine 1,2,3-TCP levels adequately for an average household may struggle to maintain similar effectiveness under increased flow rates or intermittent use. Factors such as water stagnation during extended vacancy, or spikes in daily consumption, can reduce treatment efficiency. These households should consider equipment capable of sustaining consistent removal performance under varied operational conditions.
2. What the Measured Range Means Against the Relevant Federal Standard, and What It Does Not Mean
The EPA's monitoring data for Lihue-Kapaa indicates 1,2,3-TCP detection below any established federal maximum contaminant level (MCL), since no MCL has been set for this compound to date. Detection above the minimum reporting level indicates the compound’s presence but does not imply noncompliance, unsafe water, or need for mandated corrective action. The range observed reflects occasional low-level presence consistent with regional surface water influences. This federal occurrence survey aids in understanding potential exposure and supports informed decision making rather than confirming a water quality violation.
3. What Questions a Commercial or Industrial Operator Adds That a Household Does Not
While residential users focus on steady safe drinking water, commercial or industrial operators typically require detailed analysis of water chemistry fluctuations, peak contaminant loads, and treatment scalability. They may also need to comply with specific regulatory thresholds related to discharge or product standards. Households generally prioritize continuous potable water quality and ease of equipment use, without the complexity of regulatory reporting or production consistency. Their questions revolve around treatment effectiveness under varying demand and equipment reliability.
4. How Sample Depth, Well Depth or Source Type Changes What a Reader Should Expect
Sampling for Lihue-Kapaa’s system is tied to surface water sources, which tend to show more variability in 1,2,3-TCP due to environmental factors like runoff or regional use patterns. Deeper wells may present different profiles, with potential for less frequent detection or differing concentrations. Urban versus rural source differences also influence water chemistry. Understanding the system’s reliance on surface water clarifies why detections may occur sporadically and informs what kinds of treatment approaches are most effective for this water type.
5. How Seasonal or Multi-Year Variation Shows in the Record
The EPA's data spans just over one year, from mid-2014 to mid-2015, and documents detection in a minority of sampling events. This pattern suggests seasonal or episodic variations rather than persistent high-level contamination. Factors such as rainfall, agricultural activities, or changes in source water quality could contribute to fluctuations. Recognizing that 1,2,3-TCP presence may vary over time helps frame expectations for monitoring and treatment performance in this region.
6. What the Reader Should Write Down Before Asking Anyone for Treatment Advice
- Your household’s daily average water use and peak demand periods
- Whether your residence is primary, secondary, or seasonal
- Any existing water treatment equipment details and observed limits
- Recent water quality tests specific to your home including 1,2,3-TCP concentrations
- The source type for your water supply (surface or well)
Before seeking treatment options, documenting these details provides a clearer picture of your water situation and supports tailored recommendations.
For households in Kauai facing increased or persistent 1,2,3-TCP presence beyond the capacity of their current equipment, the Autotrol 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and is designed specifically to address this compound’s removal. To determine if this solution fits your needs, order a water test of your household supply measuring 1,2,3-TCP concentration. A confirmed presence, especially above your current system’s effective range, will guide the next steps toward ensuring consistent treatment performance.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-07-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Lihue-Kapaa (HI0000400), HI: 45 results across 1 listed contaminants, 5 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL
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