Household VOCs in Shelby: Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds in Memphis Water
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How Gasoline Releases and Dry-Cleaning Releases Differ in Groundwater VOC Profiles
Residents concerned about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) often wonder what sources contribute to them in water. Two common sources are gasoline spills and releases from dry-cleaning operations. Gasoline releases tend to leave a complex mix of VOCs including chloromethane and 1,1-dichloroethane, while dry-cleaning solvents may contribute different solvent compounds such as bromomethane. These compounds vary in their chemical behavior and persistence in groundwater. Understanding their typical groundwater signature helps in identifying potential contamination sources near water supply wells.
What a Laboratory’s Method Detection Limit Means When a Compound Is 'Not Detected'
Laboratory water test reports list VOCs as either detected or not detected at specific reporting levels. For Shelby County’s public water system, sampling found no detections of listed VOCs above their respective reporting limits. A "not detected" result means the compound, if present, is below that laboratory's detection ability — not necessarily absent. For example, chloromethane was not detected above 0.2 micrograms per liter (µg/L), which is 0.2 parts per billion (ppb). Understanding these detection limits is essential to interpreting whether VOCs might be present at levels too low for the lab to identify.
Why Volatility Matters: Exposure Routes Beyond Drinking
VOCs, or volatile organics, are known for their ability to evaporate from water into air. This volatility means exposure routes include not only ingestion but also inhalation and skin contact during activities like showering and dishwashing. Volatile compounds such as 1,3-butadiene and HCFC-22 can release into indoor air, potentially increasing overall household exposure. This characteristic distinguishes VOCs from many other water constituents and underscores the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies.
What Happens When VOCs Remain Untreated Over Years
If volatile organic compounds enter household water and remain untreated, they may cause gradual aesthetic issues such as off-tastes or odors. Their volatility and chemical traits could increase indoor air concentrations during water use, which some homeowners find undesirable. Over long periods, solvent compounds in water, even at low levels, might contribute to corrosion of plumbing components. However, Shelby County’s public system monitoring from 2013 to 2015 showed no detections of listed VOCs above reporting levels, indicating no widespread presence from these compounds in municipal supply water.
How Filtered Water Differs at the Tap with an Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter
The Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter is designed to target a broad range of solvent compounds found in water, including those typically measured by government monitoring such as 1,1-dichloroethane and bromomethane. When applied to household water, this system effectively reduces volatile organic compounds and other industrial solvents, thereby lowering potential exposure not only through drinking but also through inhalation and skin contact. The filtered water at your tap can thus have fewer volatile compounds, improving overall water quality and peace of mind for households in Memphis and Shelby County.
What Test You Should Order and What Result Will Settle the Question
To know your household water’s VOC levels, the definitive step is a comprehensive laboratory test for volatile organic compounds specific to your well or tap water. This test should report concentrations using micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). A result showing VOC concentrations below the laboratory’s reporting limits would confirm a water profile comparable to the Memphis Light, Gas & Water system record, which has not detected VOCs above those thresholds. Conversely, any detection would guide whether further treatment such as the Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter may be beneficial for your home.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-12-08. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Memphis Light, Gas & Water (TN0000450), TN: 140 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level