The government sampling record for the Des Moines Waterworks public water system serving Polk County shows that no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected above method reporting levels in the monitored period from 2013 to 2015. Understanding this information can help you make an informed decision about what water treatment class may be appropriate for your home.
What Laboratory Method Detection Limits Mean When a Compound Is 'Not Detected'
A laboratory reports a compound as “not detected” when its concentration is below a defined method detection limit (MDL). This means the instrument did not measure the compound at or above this threshold during testing. The MDL depends on the specific chemical and testing method, and different VOCs have different MDLs. For example, for 1,1-dichloroethane the MDL was 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which equals 0.03 parts per billion (ppb).
Not detected does not mean the compound is absent; it means any concentration present was below the laboratory’s ability to measure in that test round. To know the precise amount in your household water, you would need a test performed specifically on your well or tap water by a certified lab using sensitive methods.
Which Volatile Organic Compounds Appear in This Record and Which Do Not
The monitored VOCs for Des Moines Waterworks include 1,1-dichloroethane, chloromethane, bromomethane, HCFC-22, Halon 1011, 1,3-butadiene, and MTBE. None were detected above their respective method detection levels during the survey. These compounds represent common solvent compounds and industrial chemicals that can enter water supplies through various sources, but the data here does not indicate measurable amounts in the public water system at the time tested.
What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property
Water quality data from the public water system represents average conditions in the distribution network serving over 94,000 connections. Households with higher water use, second homes, or seasonal residences may have differences in water age or localized plumbing materials affecting VOC levels due to potential volatilization or interactions in pipes. However, the public system data provides the best available regional context, and individual testing remains the only way to confirm VOC presence in any specific property.
How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means
The dataset consists of 12 samples collected over several years from the system’s source and distribution points. While this provides a reasonable snapshot of the public water system VOC profile, the limited number means the data is a general indicator rather than a comprehensive characterization of all times and locations. Variability can occur, so ongoing monitoring and targeted testing are important for precise household evaluation.
The Household or Facility Symptoms That Do and Do Not Point to This Problem
Symptoms often associated with VOCs in water include unusual tastes or odors sometimes described as chemical or solvent-like. However, these characteristics can also stem from other water quality factors unrelated to VOCs. In this region, since VOCs were not detected above method limits in public water, such symptoms may suggest other causes. Laboratory testing of your home water is necessary to confirm VOC presence before considering treatment aimed specifically at volatile organics.
How the Constituent Enters Groundwater or the Distribution System in This Region
Volatile organic compounds can enter water sources through industrial discharge, solvent spills, leaking underground storage tanks, or runoff from contaminated sites. Des Moines Waterworks uses surface water, which generally receives different exposure risks compared to groundwater. Treatment and source protection reduce VOC presence before water reaches homes. The lack of detected VOCs in this record suggests effective control and absence of significant contamination from these sources during the monitoring period.
For households in Polk County evaluating treatment options, the Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter provides a documented choice that targets solvent compounds such as VOCs and related industrial chemicals. Selecting the right system depends on your own water test results and demand figures, ensuring treatment matches your specific water quality needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-04-01. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Des Moines Waterworks (IA7727031), IA: 80 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level
- ✓ 90-Day Money-BackNo restocking fees — return within 90 days.
- ✓ Manufacturer WarrantyGenuine Fleck · Pentair · VIQUA equipment.
- ✓ Free Expert SizingTalk to a specialist and buy the right system the first time.