Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter

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Source Characteristics: Groundwater and Sampling Depths in Biloxi Water

Water in Biloxi, MS, is drawn from groundwater sources serving over 23,000 people through more than 9,300 connections. The depth at which groundwater is accessed influences the chemical composition expected at the tap, including the presence of 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP). Deeper wells may have different contaminant profiles than shallow ones, due to geological variations and historical chemical use patterns. Therefore, the water quality a household experiences depends on the specific well depth and source within the broader public system.

Fixtures and Processes Most Sensitive to 1,2,3-TCP Presence

1,2,3-TCP is a man-made chemical historically used in some industrial applications. It is primarily a concern for water used in drinking and cooking because it can dissolve into water readily. Household fixtures such as kitchen taps, drinking water fountains, and appliances using potable water directly—like coffee makers or ice machines—are the first to be affected if 1,2,3-TCP is present in notable amounts. Bathing and laundry use generally involve less risk from 1,2,3-TCP exposure compared to ingestion pathways.

Interpreting the Biloxi Public Water System Record: A Practical Example

The Environmental Protection Agency conducted the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR3) sampling for Biloxi's water system between October 2013 and May 2014. Across 26 samples, 1,2,3-TCP was not detected above the reporting level of 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L). This indicates concentrations, if present, were below this measurement threshold during sampling. As a Biloxi homeowner, you can take this to mean the municipal water system showed very low or no measurable 1,2,3-TCP during that period.

Understanding the Measurement Range and Federal Standards

Currently, the EPA has not established a federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) for 1,2,3-TCP. Detection above a reporting level through UCMR3 is a data point, not a regulatory violation. The absence of detected 1,2,3-TCP above 0.03 µg/L in Biloxi’s sampling means water records do not show concerns requiring regulatory action. However, the lack of a federal MCL means there is no official safety threshold defined by EPA for this contaminant at this time.

Sample Size and Data Reliability Considerations

The data draws from 26 samples collected from the municipal groundwater system feeding Biloxi residents. While this number provides useful insight into the public water supply's typical characteristics, it is not a detailed survey of individual homes or private wells. Small sample sizes can limit certainty about localized fluctuations. Therefore, individual tap water testing remains essential to assess your particular household water condition accurately.

Final Recommendation: Confirm Your Household’s 1,2,3-TCP Level

To resolve questions about 1,2,3-TCP in your home’s water—especially after equipment failure—a certified laboratory test of your tap water is the definitive step. This will establish your water’s specific condition. Should 1,2,3-TCP be detected at unwanted levels, a targeted solution such as the Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter, which ships ready to configure for home use, can be considered to address that concern effectively.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-05-05. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for City of Biloxi (MS0240001), MS: 26 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level