The Marshfield Water Department in Plymouth County serves approximately 34,000 people with groundwater-sourced water through about 11,000 connections. From 2013 to 2015, EPA data showed 1,4-dioxane—the solvent stabiliser compound—detected in 8 out of 24 samples, measuring between 0.07 and 0.19 micrograms per liter (ppb). While the EPA has no federal maximum contaminant level for this cyclic ether, these detections fall below the EPA’s cancer risk reference concentration of 0.35 micrograms per liter.
If You Consider Local Sources Like Landfill Leachate, Degreasing Sites, and Consumer Products
1,4-Dioxane commonly appears as a byproduct of industrial degreasing solvents and can leach from landfills where waste containing the compound was deposited. Consumer products such as certain detergents and cosmetics also contribute trace amounts. These sources collectively contribute to the detected cyclic ether concentrations in Marshfield’s groundwater supply. Understanding these inputs helps to place the water record in context and indicates the persistence of the solvent stabiliser in local water supplies.
If You Learn That 1,4-Dioxane Migrates Ahead of Its Original Solvent Plume
The chemical nature of 1,4-dioxane makes it more mobile than many solvents it stabilises, causing the cyclic ether to move faster and farther through groundwater systems. This characteristic means that even if a known degreasing solvent contamination site is contained, the solvent stabiliser can appear downgradient in areas like Marshfield’s public water supply. Recognising this behavior is important for interpreting monitoring data and potential future detections along groundwater flow paths.
If You Are Evaluating the Impact of Your Plumbing Material and the Age of Your Household System
While the water source provides the primary exposure to 1,4-dioxane, household plumbing materials and system age can affect water quality characteristics. The cyclic ether’s small molecular size means typical plumbing materials do not block or alter it. Equipment failure in your current treatment setup, especially if targeting volatile organic compounds or chlorinated solvents, may reduce your control over this cyclic ether’s presence, emphasizing the need for targeted treatment approaches designed for 1,4-dioxane.
If You Need to Document Key Details Before Seeking Further Help with Treatment
Before pursuing new solutions, note your existing equipment type, age, and operating issues that led to failure. Collect any recent water quality reports or test data specific to your household water, including 1,4-dioxane or similar volatile organic compound analyses if available. This information allows informed decision-making and helps specialists recommend appropriate next steps tailored to the cyclic ether detected in Marshfield’s community water system.
If You Want to Compare Marshfield’s Water Quality Record with Nearby Counties
Comparing Marshfield’s public water system detection data to other areas requires careful interpretation. Differences in local industry, landfill presence, and groundwater flow may cause significant regional variation in 1,4-dioxane occurrence. A neighboring county’s higher or lower detection frequency or concentration does not directly infer your household’s water quality. Always prioritize direct testing of your own well or tap water to assess the specific cyclic ether levels affecting your residence.
In summary, Marshfield’s water record shows detectable but low levels of the solvent stabiliser 1,4-dioxane in some source samples, explained by local industrial and waste factors. Household water quality depends on both this community pattern and specific plumbing or treatment conditions. The C-Series 1,4-Dioxane Filter ships ready to configure and provides a targeted option when standard equipment fails to address this cyclic ether effectively.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-07-28. 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, 8 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL; EPA cancer risk reference concentration 0.35 ug/L