Groundwater Source and Water Delivery in Frankfort
The Frankfort public water system in Will County draws water from a local groundwater aquifer. This water travels through a network serving over 24,000 residents and more than 10,800 connections. Understanding the natural movements and chemical presence in this groundwater is key to managing household water quality.
Seasonal Movements of Solvent Plumes Within the Aquifer
Water-table levels affect VOC plume position relative to well intakes
Variations in the water table during seasons can shift where solvent compounds concentrate underground. This can influence whether volatile organics—such as those studied in Frankfort's system—reach the wells supplying homes. Solvent compounds include substances like 1,1-dichloroethane, chloromethane, and MTBE, which are part of federal monitoring but not regulated by enforceable limits.
Understanding Data Variability and Timeframes
Monitoring records span from 2003 to 2015, showing no detected VOCs above reporting limits
Federal occurrence data for Frankfort’s system covers samples taken over roughly 12 years. All detections of tested VOCs—including bromomethane, HCFC-22, Halon 1011, and 1,3-butadiene—were below the respective federal reporting limits. This long timeframe with no measurable VOC presence above reporting thresholds suggests stable water quality concerning these compounds.
Stepwise Approach to Identify VOCs in Your Home’s Water
1. Review local system data for background context
Use publicly available monitoring data to understand what VOCs have been tested for and detected near your residence. This aids in focusing your evaluation.
2. Conduct an initial visual and odor check
Although VOCs can be odorless or tasteless, any unusual smells or discoloration may warrant further laboratory testing.
3. Commission a certified laboratory water test for VOCs
Only a specific water test on your household supply can establish the true presence and levels of volatile organics. This is vital because regional data cannot substitute for individual home results.
Considerations for Different Household Water Uses
Large families and frequent users
Homes with high water use may want to ensure continuous removal capacity for trace VOCs due to cumulative exposure over time.
Second or seasonal homes
For residences used intermittently, VOC concentrations may fluctuate with local groundwater changes, underscoring the need for periodic testing.
Sample Size and Statistical Significance of Regional VOC Data
Data based on 14 to 18 samples per compound collected from multiple wells
The local water system’s VOC monitoring involved numerous tests across wells and time. While comprehensive for the area, these figures represent a limited sample size relative to all possible conditions. A single well’s water quality may differ.
Final Recommendation: Testing to Confirm Your Home’s VOC Levels
The only way to understand the presence of volatile organic compounds in your household water is to have a laboratory analysis performed on your taps. If results show VOCs within acceptable levels, no further action may be necessary. If VOCs are detected at concerning concentrations, the Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter system is designed specifically to reduce a broad range of solvent compounds, helping homeowners achieve improved water quality meeting their needs.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-08-12. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Frankfort (IL1970400), IL: 122 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level