Interpreting VOC Monitoring Data for Your Area
The meaning of median and highest detected values
EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) sampled Artesian Water Company’s surface water source, which serves Bear, Hockessin, and wider New Castle County. Among volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 1,1-dichloroethane showed a highest detected level of 0.1 µg/L with a median of detected values also at 0.1 µg/L. HCFC-22 was found at a highest level of 0.17 µg/L with a median detection of 0.155 µg/L. Other VOCs like chloromethane, bromomethane, Halon 1011, 1,3-butadiene, and MTBE were not detected above reporting thresholds. These figures are measurements rather than regulatory limits and do not indicate a violation or unsafe condition.
What these results do and do not imply for your home water
These data describe the water system’s source water quality and not your individual home’s water chemistry, which can be influenced by local plumbing and water use patterns. Detection above reporting levels means a compound was measured, not necessarily that it poses a health risk or exceeds a legal limit.
Fixtures and Household Processes Most Sensitive to VOCs
Cold water taps used for drinking and cooking
VOCs in water can be most noticeable when drawing cold water directly from taps, especially those used for consumption and food preparation. Volatile compounds may alter taste or odor at low concentrations.
Appliances relying on water for steam or hot process inputs
Devices like humidifiers, coffee makers, and steam irons may be affected by VOCs that volatilize upon heating, potentially impacting appliance performance or indoor air quality.
Bathrooms and utility sinks
Although less common, VOCs entering these areas could influence cleaning product effectiveness or odor perception.
Steps to Diagnose VOC Concerns in Home Water
Review recent water quality reports from Artesian Water Company
Check the latest publicly available data to understand the general VOC profile for your water supply.
Inspect plumbing materials and age
Plumbing components can sometimes introduce or concentrate VOC-like substances; noting their composition helps in diagnosis.
Perform a home water test with a certified laboratory
This is the definitive step to determine VOC levels at your specific tap, as only direct testing provides your home's actual water data.
Compare test results against EPA health-based guidelines
Though the EPA has no maximum contaminant level (MCL) for the VOCs detected under UCMR3 in this system, health-based guidance values can help interpret results.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated VOCs in Water
Potential changes in water taste and odor over time
Persistent VOCs may contribute to subtle but noticeable shifts in water sensory qualities affecting daily use satisfaction.
Impact on appliances and plumbing
Continuous exposure to certain VOCs can impact appliance longevity or cause degradation of plumbing materials, depending on water chemistry.
Indoor air quality considerations
Some VOCs may volatilize from heated water, contributing to indoor air quality; this is especially relevant in poorly ventilated spaces.
Distinguishing VOC Issues from Other Water Quality Concerns
VOCs versus microbial contamination
Microbial issues typically cause cloudiness, sediment, or bacterial growth, whereas VOCs are chemical in nature and detected through specific instrumentation.
VOCs versus hardness and mineral content
Hardness relates to dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, affecting scaling but unrelated to VOC presence or behavior.
VOCs versus chlorination byproducts
Chlorination byproducts can sometimes overlap chemically with VOCs but usually occur due to treatment processes, distinct from VOCs monitored in source water.
Final Step: Testing Your Water for VOCs
The single most effective way to confirm if VOCs are a concern in your household water is to have a comprehensive VOC analysis performed by a certified laboratory. This test will provide specific compound concentrations at your tap, clarifying how the regional monitoring data applies to your home. If VOCs are detected at levels warranting treatment, the C-Series VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce these compounds effectively. Testing is the critical step to making an informed decision about addressing VOCs in your water supply.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-07-16. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Artesian Water Company (DE0000552), DE: 250 results across 7 listed contaminants, 3 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for these UCMR-listed VOCs