Whole House 1,2,3-TCP Reduction Water Filter System - Trichloropropane Removal
How Agricultural Practices Influenced 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Presence in Pennington County
The land around Rapid City, in Pennington County, has been shaped by varied agricultural activities over many decades. During the mid-20th century, soil fumigants containing chlorinated solvents were used in farming to control pests and improve crop yields. These practices left a legacy detectable today in water sources because some impurities persist in soil and groundwater far beyond their original application.
Historical Use of Soil Fumigants and 1,2,3-TCP's Journey to Groundwater
Between the 1950s and 1980s, soil fumigants containing 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) were common as an impurity in pesticide formulations. This chlorinated solvent leached downward slowly, reaching deep groundwater many years later. Its chemical stability means that TCP can remain in groundwater for decades after initial introduction, particularly in regions with sandy soils and permeable aquifers like those around Rapid City.
Testing Your Household Water for 1,2,3-TCP: Steps to Understand Your Exposure
Knowing the concentration of 1,2,3-trichloropropane in your own well or tap water requires specific laboratory testing. The government’s 2013-2015 monitoring of Rapid City’s public water system, which serves more than 72,000 people, did not detect TCP above 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion) in any of 24 samples taken, indicating low or undetectable levels on a system scale. However, individual household water quality can vary.
- Start with checking recent water quality reports from your municipal provider or water supplier.
- If you use private well water, seek a certified lab test that includes 1,2,3-TCP to determine your home's concentration.
- Consider periodic testing if you live near former agricultural land prone to solvent leaching.
Which Household Fixtures and Water Uses Reflect 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Concerns First?
When 1,2,3-TCP is present at measurable levels, it may affect water used for drinking, cooking, and food preparation since ingestion is the primary route of concern. Faucets, kitchen water, and any appliance that consumes untreated water are relevant points of exposure. Because TCP is volatile, water heaters and aerators may also release trace amounts into the air but generally pose less exposure risk than ingestion.
Distinguishing 1,2,3-TCP from Other Common Water Concerns
TCP, a chlorinated solvent, differs from other frequently observed water challenges such as disinfection byproducts or naturally occurring minerals. Unlike aesthetic issues like taste or staining caused by total dissolved solids or chlorides, 1,2,3-trichloropropane is a synthetic chemical not naturally found in water. It is separate from common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene or from regulated contaminants that might have federally enforceable limits.
What You Should Not Conclude from Rapid City's Public Water Monitoring Data
The absence of 1,2,3-trichloropropane detections above 0.03 micrograms per liter in Rapid City's public water system record means the system as a whole does not show evidence of widespread TCP presence at measurable levels. This monitoring is not a substitute for testing your own water source, especially if you use a private well or if your water is drawn from a different supply. The municipal record also does not indicate any health-based violations relating to TCP or other contaminants. If you have concerns about 1,2,3-TCP, consider laboratory testing as the only way to establish your household's specific water quality.
For households seeking treatment options, the C-Series 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and is designed specifically to address this chlorinated solvent from water supplies. It is recommended to consult testing results before selecting treatment tailored to your needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-04-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Rapid City (SD4600406), SD: 24 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level