Government monitoring by the EPA found no detections of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) above 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb) in the Marshfield Water Department system, which serves 34,000 people in Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
How a Soil Fumigant Impurity from the 1950s-1980s Reached Deep Groundwater Decades Later
The chlorinated solvent 1,2,3-TCP is a trace impurity that historically appeared in soil fumigants used in the mid-20th century. Though its agricultural applications have diminished, residual contamination can persist in deep groundwater for decades due to slow movement through soil and rock layers.
The Agricultural Land-Use History of Plymouth County and How It Maps onto Detected 1,2,3-TCP
Marshfield’s water source is groundwater with a history influenced by regional farming practices. Past use of pesticides containing chlorinated solvents contributed low-level 1,2,3-TCP detections in some areas, but the federal monitoring survey from 2013 to 2015 found no measurable presence above reporting levels in this community water system.
What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Actually Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page
In the EPA’s public water system record, a detection indicates that an analytical instrument measured the constituent at or above a set reporting threshold (0.03 µg/L for 1,2,3-TCP). The absence of detections means levels were below this threshold. The median and range describe the distribution of measurements across all sampling sites and times, but do not imply the condition of any individual home’s water supply.
What You Should Write Down Before Asking Anyone for Treatment Advice
Documenting your household water flow rate and daily usage volume is important. Also, obtaining a current comprehensive water test that specifically measures 1,2,3-TCP concentration in your tap water will provide the factual basis for selecting treatment equipment or other solutions that respond to your unique situation.
The Order in Which to Rule Things Out, from Cheapest Check to Laboratory Test
- Confirm that your water equipment is functioning as expected to avoid unnecessary replacement.
- Check for any plumbing issues that might affect water quality readings.
- Request a laboratory analysis for 1,2,3-TCP and other relevant contaminants from a certified lab.
- Compare your test results against the EPA’s findings for your area to understand if your water is experiencing local anomalies.
For households with existing equipment that has stopped effectively addressing 1,2,3-TCP, the Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to handle residential water demand based on the flow and volume you document. This equipment uses proven technology tailored for the unique removal challenges posed by 1,2,3-trichloropropane, helping restore confidence in your household water quality.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-07-23. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Marshfield Water Department (MA4171000), MA: 24 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level