Government sampling of the South Adams County Water and Sanitation District (South Adams County WSD) public water system shows detections of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), specifically 1,1-dichloroethane, among other VOCs measured from 2013 to 2015. This community water system serves over 75,500 people and uses surface water as its source. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) records indicate no health-based violations related to VOCs for this system. These facts provide a data foundation to understand VOC presence in Adams County water but do not specify individual household water conditions.
If a Gasoline Release or Leak Has Occurred Nearby
Gasoline-related VOCs such as MTBE and 1,3-butadiene, which are common in fuel spills or leaks, were monitored but not detected above reporting levels in this system's sampling. Gasoline releases typically introduce a complex mix of hydrocarbons that can persist in groundwater and volatilize into indoor air, presenting risks beyond ingestion, including vapor intrusion into basements or crawl spaces. Such releases leave solvent compounds that may require multifaceted treatment approaches.
If the Source of VOCs is More Like Dry-Cleaning Solvents or Industrial Chemicals
Dry-cleaning solvents and industrial VOCs like 1,1-dichloroethane, detected in the sampling, differ in chemical behavior and treatment needs. These compounds can dissolve in water and linger at low concentrations. They may pose concerns through both ingestion and inhalation if water is aerosolized during household activities. Understanding the source of VOCs influences treatment selection because chemical properties affect how contaminants interact with filtration media.
If You Consider Volatility and Exposure Pathways
Volatility means VOCs easily evaporate from water into air. Showering, dishwashing, and other water uses create airborne VOCs, which can be inhaled, adding exposure pathways beyond drinking. For VOCs detected in this area, inhalation via household water use is a relevant factor. Treatment systems designed to reduce VOC concentrations in water can lower the amount volatilized, reducing potential inhalation exposure.
If You Are Starting Your Assessment and Testing Sequence
Begin with low-cost checks such as reviewing local water quality reports like those from the South Adams County WSD, which provide system-wide VOC detection data. Next, consider laboratory testing of your own household water for VOCs to determine specific levels and compounds. Testing is essential because government data reflect system averages, not your individual well or tap water.
If You Leave VOCs Untreated Over Many Years
Prolonged exposure to VOCs through water ingestion or inhalation can have chronic health implications depending on the compounds and concentrations. Additionally, VOCs may affect water taste and odor, even if their levels are within regulatory limits. Long-term neglect of VOC presence may also cause damage to plumbing materials due to the chemical nature of some solvents.
If You Are Reviewing the South Adams County VOC Detection Data
The EPA's unregulated contaminant monitoring data from South Adams County WSD recorded 28 measurements of 1,1-dichloroethane, with 16 detections above 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L or parts per billion). The highest concentration detected was 0.49 µg/L and the median of detections was 0.24 µg/L. Other tested VOCs such as chloromethane, bromomethane, HCFC-22, Halon 1011, 1,3-butadiene, and MTBE were not detected above reporting levels. There are no federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established for these VOCs in this dataset, so these detections indicate presence but not exceeding legal thresholds.
Given these detections, homeowners may consider point-of-entry treatment options that address VOCs and industrial chemical contaminants. The Fleck VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter is a filtration system designed to reduce volatile organics and solvent compounds in residential water supplies. It ships ready to configure for household use.
The data described represent the South Adams County WSD public water system's average water quality, not the specific condition of any one household's tap water. Individual water testing is necessary to determine if VOC treatment is needed. For more detailed information, consult the EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule data for South Adams County.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-02-10. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for South Adams County WSD (CO0101140), CO: 184 results across 7 listed contaminants, 16 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for these UCMR-listed VOCs
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