This week, your household faces an important choice: determining how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be present in your water and what factors influence their levels.
How Seasonal Water-Table Changes Move a Solvent Plume Relative to a Well Screen
Seasonal Rainfall and Water Table Fluctuations Affect VOC Distribution
Seasonal changes in precipitation and groundwater levels can cause a solvent plume—an area where VOCs concentrate—to rise or fall relative to a well screen, altering VOC detection in well water over time.
Groundwater Flow Direction Shifts Can Move VOC Sources Closer or Farther
Natural variations in underground water flow may shift the position of VOC contamination zones, impacting which households detect solvent compounds during different seasons.
How a Gasoline Release Differs from a Dry-Cleaning Release in What It Leaves in Groundwater
Gasoline Releases Often Contain MTBE and Other Hydrocarbons
Gasoline-related VOCs include compounds like MTBE, which was not detected above 5.0 micrograms per liter (μg/L) in Delaware County’s public water system between 2013 and 2015 per EPA data.
Dry-Cleaning Releases May Introduce Chlorinated Solvents Absent in This Area’s Records
Chlorinated VOCs such as 1,1-dichloroethane and chloromethane were not detected above reporting levels in Delaware County’s public water system, indicating absence or very low levels in surface water sources.
How Sample Depth, Well Depth or Source Type Changes What a Reader Should Expect
Shallow Wells May Reflect Recent Surface Contaminant Changes More Quickly
Households using shallower water sources might observe VOC level fluctuations linked to recent contamination or remediation efforts, whereas deeper wells often show more stable conditions.
Surface Water Supply Systems Tend to Have VOCs Diluted Compared to Groundwater
Delaware County Water Company relies on surface water, which generally undergoes natural and treatment-related reductions in VOC concentrations before delivery.
Why a Granular Activated Carbon Bed is Sized for Contact Time Rather than Flow Alone
Longer Contact Time Ensures More Effective VOC Removal
Carbon filtration removes volatile organics by adsorbing them; sizing depends on how long water remains in contact with the carbon bed, influencing removal efficiency beyond just flow rate.
Flow Rate Variability Can Affect the Filter’s Performance if Contact Time Is Insufficient
Rapid water flow through a carbon bed reduces contact time, potentially lowering VOC reduction; therefore, filter systems account for peak household demand when sizing.
Which Fixtures, Appliances or Processes Are Affected First and Why
Showering and Bathing May Expose Residents to Volatile Organics Through Inhalation
VOCs can volatilize during hot water use, making showers a primary exposure path alongside direct ingestion.
Kitchen Faucets and Drinking Water Are Critical Points for VOC Intake
Volatile organics present at low levels can enter the body through consumption, so water used for cooking and drinking is an important focus for treatment.
Next Step
The single test to order is a comprehensive VOC analysis specific to your household’s water source. This will establish the exact compounds and concentrations present, supporting a well-informed treatment decision.
The Fleck VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and uses granular activated carbon to reduce solvent compounds effectively when sized according to contact time requirements.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-02-11. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Delaware County Water Company, Inc. (OH2101412), OH: 88 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level