Why the Reporting Level for This Solvent Is Thousands of Times Lower Than for Common Metals
1,2,3-trichloropropane is reported at 0.03 micrograms per litre
The federal occurrence survey for the Water & Power Authority in St. Croix, VI, sets the reporting level for 1,2,3-TCP, a chlorinated solvent, at 0.03 micrograms per litre (parts per billion). This threshold is much lower than common metals like lead or iron because of the solvent’s chemical characteristics and the desire to track even minute traces. A detection above this level indicates measurement, not unsafe concentration.
How California's 5 Nanogram Per Litre State Limit Compares with the Absence of a Federal MCL
No federal maximum contaminant level for 1,2,3-TCP exists yet
While California enforces a strict 5 nanograms per litre (0.005 micrograms per litre) limit for 1,2,3-trichloropropane, federal regulations have not established a maximum contaminant level (MCL). This means the EPA’s monitoring data from 2013 to 2015 for the public water system in St. Croix show no violations or legal exceedances related to TCP. The absence of a federal MCL means any detection is informational, not a regulatory breach.
A Worked Example: Reading the Record's Median and Range as a Homeowner Would
Four samples with no detected 1,2,3-TCP above 0.03 micrograms per litre
Between November 2014 and August 2015, four samples for 1,2,3-TCP from the Water & Power Authority system showed zero detections above the reporting level. Homeowners should understand this does not guarantee individual well or tap water has the same profile. Confirming household levels requires testing at the tap.
The Order in Which to Rule Things Out, From Cheapest Check to Laboratory Test
Check water clarity and taste first
Because 1,2,3-trichloropropane is a synthetic chlorinated solvent, it does not affect taste or appearance at very low levels. However, if unusual odors or tastes are noticed, unrelated causes should be explored. Next, consult local water quality reports or contact the utility to review regional sampling results.
Consider laboratory testing for 1,2,3-trichloropropane
Confirming if 1,2,3-TCP is in your household water at a specific concentration requires a certified laboratory analysis with detection limits at or below 0.03 micrograms per litre. This is the only way to establish personal water quality relating to TCP.
What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property
Higher water volume or intermittent use requires tailored attention
For households with higher water demand or seasonal occupancy, maintaining consistent water quality monitoring and treatment becomes more important. Seasonal properties may benefit from additional testing upon return, as stagnation and plumbing conditions influence constituent presence.
How Many Samples and Wells Stand Behind the Figures, and What a Small Sample Means
Four samples from the public system do not represent every household’s water
The data reflect only a few samples collected for the public Water & Power Authority system and do not cover private wells or plumbing. A limited number of samples means individual results may vary, reinforcing the need for household-specific testing to understand personal water quality concerning 1,2,3-trichloropropane.
The single water test to order is a laboratory analysis for 1,2,3-trichloropropane concentration at or below 0.03 micrograms per litre. A result below this threshold would indicate no detection at the reporting level used by the EPA in regional monitoring, which should satisfy concerns about the chlorinated solvent. Where treatment is desired, the Pentair 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure as a documented option for reducing this compound in household water.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-08-11. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Water & Power Auth. (St. Croix) (VI0000097), VI: 4 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level
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