Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter

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Which volatile organic compounds appear in this record and which do not, named from the facts?

The EPA's unregulated contaminant monitoring rule (UCMR3) provides data on several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for the public water system serving Ada County, Idaho, operated by United Water Idaho, Inc. According to monitoring from 2013 to 2015, no measurable levels above detection limits were found for 1,1-dichloroethane, chloromethane, bromomethane, HCFC-22, Halon 1011, 1,3-butadiene, or MTBE in this system's treated surface water supply. While these compounds were monitored, none appeared at levels reported above the stated minimum detection thresholds, which does not imply absence but rather confirms no VOC was detected above those limits.

How does a gasoline release differ from a dry-cleaning release in what it leaves in groundwater?

Gasoline releases and dry-cleaning solvent releases introduce different solvent compounds into groundwater, influencing which VOCs might be found. Gasoline-related contamination typically includes compounds like MTBE or 1,1-dichloroethane, while dry-cleaning solvents generally involve chlorinated solvents such as perchloroethylene (not detected or reported in this system). These different chemical footprints affect the type and persistence of volatile organics in water sources, guiding which VOCs to monitor and filter for in residential water treatment.

How do seasonal water-table changes move a solvent plume relative to a well screen?

Seasonal fluctuations in the water table can shift the location and concentration of solvent plumes in groundwater. During wet periods, plumes may rise and expand closer to well screens, increasing the potential for VOC presence in extracted water. Conversely, during dry seasons, plumes can contract or move downward. This dynamic movement means that VOC concentrations can vary over time, making consistent water testing important for accurate assessment of household water quality.

What is the order to rule things out, from cheapest check to laboratory test?

To evaluate potential VOC issues in your home's water, begin with a basic water quality check focusing on aesthetic factors that VOCs can impact, such as taste or odor, even though these are not health indicators. Next, review any available municipal water reports for your area to understand baseline VOC monitoring results. The most definitive step is to obtain laboratory testing specifically for VOCs using EPA-approved methods. This test will quantify any volatile organics present in your water supply and clarify whether your existing equipment’s treatment capacity is sufficient.

What do 'detected', 'median' and 'range' mean in the sampling record on this page?

In the reported data for Ada County’s water system, 'detected' means that a laboratory instrument measured a compound at or above its method detection limit in some samples, but this does not indicate a health risk or regulatory violation. 'Median' refers to the middle value in all measured samples, providing a sense of central tendency, while 'range' denotes the lowest to highest concentration found. In this case, all samples for these VOCs were below the detection limits, indicating no measurement so far above these thresholds.

How many samples and wells stand behind the figures, and what does a small sample mean?

The data come from 24 sampling events for most VOCs and 20 for MTBE taken from the public water system that serves over 264,000 people through more than 108,000 connections. This relatively large sample size and coverage area provide a broad regional snapshot rather than detailed information about individual wells. Small sample sizes or fewer testing points could mean less confidence in representing an area, but here the monitoring is comprehensive for the system.

While your home’s existing VOC treatment equipment may be effective, increasing household water use or shifting contamination patterns could challenge its capacity. The Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter system ships ready to configure as an additional measure to address volatile organics and industrial chemical presence in household water. It is designed to work directly with your water supply to provide targeted filtration of these compounds when needed.

Ultimately, the key step is commissioning a specific VOC water test for your residence. If this analysis shows measurable levels of volatile organics, then your current equipment may require supplementary filtration to maintain water quality. This direct test result provides the evidence necessary to decide on adding an Autotrol system or other filtration methods designed for VOC removal.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-10-15. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for United Water Idaho, Inc. (ID4010016), ID: 164 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level