What does a laboratory test report for 1,2,3-TCP in Wailuku water show?
A certified lab report for 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) typically lists the concentration found in micrograms per liter (µg/L), also expressed as parts per billion (ppb). For water in the Wailuku public water system, EPA monitoring from 2013-2015 reports no detections of 1,2,3-TCP above the reporting level of 0.03 µg/L. This means routine sampling during that period did not measure TCP above the sensitivity threshold, but individual household water can only be confirmed by testing that specific source.
How does California's 5 ng/L standard relate to the lack of a federal limit?
California's state health standard sets 1,2,3-TCP at 5 nanograms per liter (ng/L), which equals 0.005 µg/L—a more stringent level than federal monitoring thresholds. The EPA has not established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for TCP, so no federal legal limit applies. Wailuku's public water system recorded zero detections above 0.03 µg/L, which is above California's standard but does not constitute a violation or safety issue under federal rules. Homeowners weighing treatment options may consider this difference in regulatory context.
What does the agricultural history of Maui indicate about possible 1,2,3-TCP presence?
Maui County, including Wailuku, has a history of agricultural land use. Chlorinated solvents like 1,2,3-trichloropropane have been associated with some agricultural and industrial activities elsewhere. However, the EPA's unregulated contaminant monitoring for the Wailuku system detected no 1,2,3-TCP above reporting levels. This suggests limited or negligible presence in the public supply, but it is advisable for well owners or those on private sources to consider local land use when assessing water risks.
How does 1,2,3-TCP typically enter groundwater or a water distribution system here?
1,2,3-trichloropropane is a chlorinated solvent that can leach from soil or groundwater in areas where it has been historically used or spilled. It travels through soil and can persist in water supplies. Wailuku's water comes from surface sources rather than groundwater, which may reduce certain contamination risks. Still, the presence or absence of TCP depends on local contamination sources and water treatment processes unique to the area.
What information should I record before seeking treatment advice for 1,2,3-TCP?
Before considering any home treatment, note the source of your water (well or municipal), recent lab test results for 1,2,3-trichloropropane including detection levels in µg/L or ppb, and any seasonal variations in water quality you have observed. Also record the system serving your home, the water source type, and the date of your last test. This data helps clarify your situation and guides selecting the appropriate treatment.
What does a certified laboratory test report for 1,2,3-TCP show and how should I interpret it?
A certified lab test for 1,2,3-TCP reports the detected concentration in micrograms per liter or parts per billion. A non-detection means TCP, if present, is below the lab’s reporting level—0.03 µg/L or 30 ng/L in this case. Detection above that level indicates presence but is not a regulatory violation. Interpreting your results in light of the absence of an EPA MCL and the stringent California guideline allows an informed decision about whether to consider water treatment technologies capable of reducing chlorinated solvents.
Summary
Wailuku's public water system monitoring shows no 1,2,3-trichloropropane detected above reporting limits and no EPA health-based violations. Residents evaluating treatment needs should compare their own certified water test results with this regional data and consider land use history and water source type. For those facing confirmed presence of the chlorinated solvent in their tap water, systems like the Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter ship ready to configure and target this contaminant specifically.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-02-20. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Wailuku (HI0000212), HI: 43 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level