Many Washington County households notice occasional taste or odor changes but may wonder how this relates to uncommon chemicals like 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP). This chlorinated solvent historically used in manufacturing and soil fumigation can occasionally be detected in groundwater though without a federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) set to regulate it.
1. California's 5 ng/L Limit Versus Federal Absence of a Maximum Contaminant Level
California established a stringent non-mandatory response level for 1,2,3-TCP at 0.005 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion), also known as 5 nanograms per liter (ng/L). In contrast, the federal Environmental Protection Agency has not set an enforceable MCL for this compound, reflecting ongoing evaluations of health impacts and detection frequency nationally.
2. Sample Size and Interpretation: What Twelve Results Mean for Washington County
The Woodbury public water system serving over 82,000 people in Washington County reported twelve sampling events for 1,2,3-TCP between 2013 and 2015, all below the EPA's reporting level of 0.03 µg/L (30 ng/L). This modest set of samples from a groundwater source indicates no detectable levels above that threshold during those periods but does not guarantee the absence of 1,2,3-TCP at all times or locations.
3. Consequences of Leaving 1,2,3-TCP Untreated in Household Water
Because 1,2,3-TCP lacks a federal MCL and was not detected above reporting levels in this system, regulatory agencies have not identified it as a health-based violation. However, continued presence—even at low levels—can pose risks depending on individual sensitivities and exposure patterns if untreated over many years. Understanding treatment options helps avoid any potential buildup or accumulation in household water.
4. How the Autotrol Technology Addresses 1,2,3-Trichloropropane
The Autotrol 1,2,3-TCP Filter is designed to address chlorinated solvents like TCP by using advanced adsorption media tailored to bind and retain these molecules effectively before they reach household taps. This technology ships ready to configure and can be added to existing water systems for ongoing management without requiring professional service appointments.
5. Sources of 1,2,3-TCP in Washington County Groundwater
1,2,3-TCP entered groundwater supplies primarily as a manufacturing byproduct and impurity in soil fumigants used between the mid-1900s and 1980s. Its chemical stability and resistance to degradation allow it to persist in subsurface environments. Woodbury's groundwater system reflects this legacy, though current monitoring shows no detections above measurable levels during past surveys.
6. Plumbing Materials and Water Age Impact
Household plumbing material and age do not drive 1,2,3-TCP presence, as it originates from source groundwater rather than leaching from pipes or fixtures. Nonetheless, older plumbing may influence other water quality factors unrelated to 1,2,3-TCP and should be considered separately when evaluating water treatment needs.
In summary, Washington County households face no federal violations regarding 1,2,3-TCP based on regional public water system records. When considering treatment, comparing monitoring data with the capabilities of technologies like the Autotrol 1,2,3-TCP Filter can guide informed choices balancing water quality management and practical household needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-06-02. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Woodbury (MN1820025), MN: 12 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level
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