Berkeley County Public Service District (PSD) in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, serves thousands of residents through its public water system. This system draws from regional water sources and distributes treated water to household taps for daily use. Understanding the presence and impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in this public water supply helps homeowners make informed decisions about water treatment.
Myth: All VOCs Found in Groundwater Come from Gasoline Releases
It is common to assume that VOC contamination originates mainly from gasoline leaks. However, different sources such as dry-cleaning solvents and industrial chemicals also contribute distinct VOC mixtures to groundwater. Gasoline releases typically contain compounds like benzene and toluene—not reported for Berkeley County PSD—while industrial solvent-related VOCs may include others like 1,1-dichloroethane or halogenated hydrocarbons.
Myth: A 'Not Detected' Laboratory Result Means Zero VOCs
Laboratories use method detection limits (MDLs) to determine the smallest concentration they can reliably detect. A 'not detected' result means concentrations are below this threshold, not necessarily absent. For example, Berkeley County PSD’s monitoring found no VOCs above reporting levels such as 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L) for 1,1-dichloroethane, indicating levels were below the sensitivity of these tests but not confirmed as zero.
Myth: All VOCs Are Present in This Water System
The EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) results from 2013-2015 for Berkeley County PSD show no detections above reporting thresholds for listed VOCs:
- 1,1-dichloroethane
- chloromethane
- bromomethane
- HCFC-22
- Halon 1011
- 1,3-butadiene
- MTBE
No testing detected these VOCs above their respective reporting levels, but this does not guarantee the absence of other VOCs or unmonitored compounds.
Myth: Sampling Depth and Source Type Do Not Affect VOC Results
The detectability of VOCs depends on sampling depth, well characteristics, and source water type. Groundwater from different depths may carry varying VOC profiles due to geologic and contaminant plume factors. The public system’s composite sampling reflects conditions at its source locations, which may not exactly represent every household well or tap water.
Myth: Median and Range Values Alone Define Home Water Quality
EPA data tables report values such as 'detected,' 'median,' and 'range' for VOC measurements. These summarize sample results across multiple tests and times but are not direct measures of any individual household’s water. Homeowners need private water testing to know their specific VOC levels.
Myth: VOC Exposure Is Only a Risk Through Drinking Water
Volatility means that some solvent compounds can transfer from water to air during household tasks like showering and dishwashing. Inhalation and dermal contact pathways may contribute to overall exposure beyond ingestion routes, a factor considered when selecting home water treatment.
Berkeley County PSD’s monitoring record from 2013-2015 provides a reliable overview of VOC concentrations in the public system but does not substitute for individual water analysis. These results, publicly available from the EPA, help guide residence owners in West Virginia as they weigh treatment choices.
The Fleck VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter uses a filtration system designed to reduce VOCs and solvent compounds in household water. This technology ships ready to configure and offers an effective option for families considering control measures against volatile organic contaminants.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-09-03. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Berkeley County PSD - Bunker Hill (WV3300202), WV: 52 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level