Understanding VOC Presence in Pensacola’s Groundwater Supply

The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority provides groundwater-sourced water to over 240,000 residents via more than 100,000 connections in Escambia County, including Pensacola. This public water system's records show no EPA health-based violations, reflecting compliance with federal regulations. However, occasional detections of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been recorded under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) surveys conducted between 2013 and 2015.

Which Volatile Organic Compounds Have Been Detected—and Which Have Not?

1,1-Dichloroethane

Detected in 2 of 52 samples, with reported concentrations around 0.0455 micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). This chlorinated solvent is commonly used in industrial applications but was found only in low levels.

HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)

Found in 14 of 52 samples, with detections up to 0.92 µg/L (ppb), it is a refrigerant compound with applications in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Compounds Not Detected

• Chloromethane
• Bromomethane
• Halon 1011
• 1,3-Butadiene
• MTBE (Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether)

These compounds were not detected above their respective laboratory reporting limits in the sampled water, suggesting very low or nondetectable presence within the public water system's groundwater sources.

What ‘Not Detected’ Means Regarding Laboratory Reporting Limits

Detection Limits and Their Role

When a compound is reported as not detected, it means the concentration is below the laboratory's reporting level—the smallest amount reliably measured. For example, chloromethane’s reporting level was 0.2 µg/L, and MTBE’s was 5.0 µg/L. Absence of detection does not guarantee the compound is completely absent, only that it is below the set threshold.

How Sampling Depth and Water Source Type Affect VOC Expectations

Groundwater Versus Surface Water

The Pensacola system utilizes groundwater wells, which often yield different VOC profiles compared to surface water sources. VOC concentrations can vary by well depth and local geology, meaning data reflects a system-level snapshot rather than conditions at any individual tap.

Interpreting Certified Laboratory Test Reports for Your Household Water

Testing for VOCs at Home

To understand your home's specific VOC levels, a certified lab analysis of your tap water sample is necessary. Such tests quantify individual volatile organics in micrograms per liter (µg/L), reporting detections relative to laboratory reporting limits. Comparing these results to regional public system data can help clarify your water’s quality profile.

Recognizing Seasonal and Multi-Year Variations in VOC Data

Data Timeline

The UCMR3 monitoring for this system occurred from late 2013 through mid-2015, providing a multi-year perspective. Variations in detection frequency and concentration within this period may reflect factors such as changes in groundwater flow, contaminant sources, or sampling conditions.

Next Step for VOC Demand in Your Residential Water Treatment

For Pensacola households concerned about volatile organic compounds, the C-Series VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter offers targeted treatment technology designed to reduce solvent compounds including chlorinated solvents and refrigerants found in groundwater. It ships ready to configure to meet your household’s measured VOC demands based on certified laboratory results.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-06-08. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (FL1170525), FL: 332 results across 7 listed contaminants, 16 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for these UCMR-listed VOCs