Are you wondering if 1,2,3-trichloropropane, commonly called 1,2,3-TCP, is present in your water supply in North Kingstown, Washington County, RI? Based on federal monitoring records for the Town of North Kingstown's public water system, no samples exceeded the reporting level, but understanding what this means and how to address concerns involves a few technical considerations.
Why the Reporting Level for 1,2,3-Trichloropropane Is Set Thousands of Times Lower Than for Common Metals
The federal reporting level for 1,2,3-TCP was established at 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which is equivalent to 0.03 parts per billion (ppb). This is much lower than thresholds used for many metals because 1,2,3-TCP is a chlorinated solvent with properties that warrant more sensitive measurement to track its presence even in trace amounts. It is not a violation to detect it, but the low reporting level helps regulators monitor occurrences that could inform future health standards.
How a Soil Fumigant Impurity From the 1950s-1980s Reached Deep Groundwater Decades Later
1,2,3-trichloropropane is an impurity historically found in soil fumigants used from the mid-20th century. Over time, the compound's chemical stability and mobility allowed it to leach into deeper groundwater reservoirs. This means that despite discontinued use decades ago, groundwater sources like those supplying North Kingstown can still show traces in monitoring surveys today, even if no detection above the reporting level was recorded in this system.
How to Compare This Area’s Record With a Neighboring County’s Without Overreading It
The public water system record for North Kingstown shows 18 tests with zero detections above 0.03 µg/L. Neighboring counties may have different patterns based on local history and groundwater flow. Comparing these data sets provides context but does not predict individual home water quality. Your well or tap water can only be accurately characterized through specific testing of your own supply.
How to Judge Treatment Capacity Against Your Household’s Daily Water Demand
If you decide that addressing 1,2,3-TCP in your household water is a priority—perhaps as a precaution or based on your own water testing results—understanding daily water use is key. Treatment technologies vary in throughput and capacity. Ensuring an approach matches the volume your household consumes prevents underperformance during peak demand.
What the Measured Range Means Against the Relevant Federal Standard, and What It Does Not Mean
No federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) exists for 1,2,3-TCP, which means the detections recorded are not violations or indicators of unsafe water. The zero detections above the reporting level suggest the water system’s groundwater supply in North Kingstown is not showing quantifiable levels at the time of monitoring. However, this does not guarantee your home’s water will be identical without specific testing.
How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means
The data come from 18 samples collected for federal monitoring over approximately 6 months from 2013 to 2014. This sample size covers the public supply wells serving over 27,000 people via more than 10,000 connections. While this gives a reliable snapshot of municipal water quality in the area, it reflects system-wide conditions rather than individual well or tap water conditions.
What You Should NOT Conclude From Area Data
Area-wide monitoring results do not reveal the specific quality of any single household’s water without direct testing. You should not assume the presence, absence, or concentration of 1,2,3-TCP in your water based solely on these public system records. Private water supplies can vary. If you choose to pursue treatment, the Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and has documented effectiveness reducing this chlorinated solvent from drinking water. Careful selection of treatment must consider your household’s unique conditions and water usage.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-01-30. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Town of North Kingstown (RI1559517), RI: 18 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level
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