Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter

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Step 1: Why the Reporting Level for 1,2,3-TCP Is Set Thousands of Times Lower Than for Metals

The Environmental Protection Agency’s data for the Exeter Water Department in Rockingham County shows zero detections of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) above the reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), or parts per billion (ppb), across multiple samples. This extremely low reporting level reflects the high sensitivity required for measuring chlorinated solvents like TCP, which are found at much lower concentrations than common metals. Unlike metals, which often occur naturally and in higher amounts, 1,2,3-TCP is a synthetic chemical typically present in trace amounts if at all. The reporting level is set very low to catch even minimal contamination, ensuring early awareness despite no current federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for TCP.

Step 2: How California’s 5 ng/L State Limit Compares with the Absence of a Federal MCL

Although the Exeter Water Department’s record shows no TCP detected above 0.03 µg/L, it is important to note that California has established a state limit of 5 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or 0.005 µg/L for 1,2,3-trichloropropane. This state standard is more stringent than the federal approach, which currently does not have a maximum contaminant level for TCP. For households in Exeter, this means water monitoring follows federal guidance rather than California’s tighter threshold. Neither threshold indicates a violation or unsafe condition by itself; it is a benchmark that reflects different regulatory philosophies toward this chlorinated solvent.

Step 3: Why 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Resists Air Stripping and What That Means for Treatment Choice

1,2,3-TCP is a chlorinated solvent known for its stability, causing it to resist common water treatment methods like air stripping that remove volatile organic compounds by transferring them to the air. Because TCP does not readily volatilize, households with failed treatment equipment might find standard aeration ineffective against this chemical. This resistance informs the need for specialized filtration technologies that can adsorb or chemically bind 1,2,3-trichloropropane from water, rather than relying on air stripping methods alone.

Step 4: The Household or Facility Symptoms That Do and Do Not Point to This Problem

Unlike some water issues that cause taste, odor, or staining, 1,2,3-TCP is typically undetectable by sensory means. Households experiencing failed equipment may note general water quality issues but cannot diagnose TCP presence without testing. Symptoms such as unusual taste or smell more likely indicate other water problems. Understanding that TCP is odorless and tasteless is important for consumers to avoid misattributing household water issues. Confirming TCP presence relies on certified laboratory analysis rather than home observation or equipment behavior alone.

Step 5: How the Treated Water Differs at the Tap Once the Documented Technology Is in Place

When configured with the Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter, water treatment uses a filtration process designed specifically to address chlorinated solvents. This technology works by adsorbing 1,2,3-trichloropropane from water as it passes through the filtration media, ensuring the chlorinated solvent concentration is reduced to below detection limits. The result is water at the tap with diminished levels of TCP compared to untreated water, contributing to peace of mind and improved water quality. Although no numerical performance data are listed here, this approach contrasts with general filtration or air stripping by targeting the chemical’s unique properties.

Step 6: How a Soil Fumigant Impurity From the 1950s-1980s Reached Deep Groundwater Decades Later

Historical use of soil fumigants containing 1,2,3-trichloropropane during the mid-20th century in many regions explains the presence of this chlorinated solvent in groundwater and surface water today. In the Exeter area, sources include legacy agricultural and industrial applications where TCP, originally an impurity in soil fumigants, gradually leached through soil layers to reach aquifers and surface water collections. This slow migration means TCP can appear in water long after its application ceased. Understanding this history clarifies why municipal water systems test for TCP, even when current industrial use is minimal or absent.

Next Step: Testing Your Household Water for 1,2,3-TCP

Since government tests represent the system-wide water but not individual home plumbing, the key is to order a comprehensive water test specifically including 1,2,3-trichloropropane analysis from a certified laboratory. A result below the reporting level of 0.03 µg/L would indicate your water aligns with the municipal data and likely does not need specialized treatment for TCP. A detected concentration above this threshold could guide the decision to configure a dedicated filtration solution like the Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter to address this concern effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-03-04. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Exeter Water Department (NH0801010), NH: 8 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level