Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter

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What a Laboratory Test Report Includes for 1,2,3-TCP

When you receive a water quality report that lists 1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP), it will typically state whether the chemical is detected above the reporting level, which for the Memphis Light, Gas & Water system is 0.03 micrograms per liter (µg/L), equivalent to parts per billion (ppb). This reporting level is a threshold set not for safety but for reliable detection during federal monitoring efforts. For example, from 2013 to 2015 EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) recorded 20 samples for this system, with none showing TCP above that detection threshold. This absence of detection in system-wide monitoring does not guarantee no TCP in individual household water; only a specific test of your water can confirm your home's condition.

Agricultural Land-Use History and Its Link to TCP in Shelby County

Shelby County's groundwater supply, which feeds the Memphis Light, Gas & Water system, originates beneath an area with a history of agricultural fumigant use notably between the 1950s and 1980s. 1,2,3-TCP is a chlorinated solvent that formed as an impurity in soil fumigants applied during that period. Over decades, this compound has migrated downward, sometimes reaching groundwater. However, current EPA sampling in the public system indicates no measurable presence of TCP above the reporting level, reflecting effective dilution or natural attenuation in the area served.

Why the Reporting Level for 1,2,3-TCP Is Much Lower Than for Metals

The detection limit for 1,2,3-trichloropropane is set at 0.03 µg/L (0.03 ppb), thousands of times lower than detection thresholds for many common metals. This is because 1,2,3-TCP is a synthetic organic chemical, and federal monitoring programs employ highly sensitive methods to detect very low concentrations that could warrant further study. This detection level is not a regulatory safety limit but rather a consistent standard for reliably reporting the substance when present.

Consequences of Untreated 1,2,3-TCP Over Time

If 1,2,3-TCP were present in household water without any filtration or treatment, long-term exposure could be a concern based on toxicological data established by regulatory agencies. However, because the Memphis public water system's monitoring has not detected TCP above the reporting level, the household burden would depend wholly on localized conditions. Should untreated TCP be found at higher levels in a home's water supply, some users could experience subtle taste or odor effects or face potential health considerations over time. Addressing this requires dedicated monitoring and appropriate filtration technology.

Interpreting Measured 1,2,3-TCP Levels Against Federal Standards

Currently, 1,2,3-trichloropropane has no federal Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL); this means there is no enforceable legal limit for this substance under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Detection in EPA monitoring data is part of a nationwide assessment rather than compliance enforcement. Absence of detected TCP above 0.03 µg/L in Memphis’s system is a positive indication but does not legally imply that any detected concentration in a particular household is problematic. Testing your home's water is necessary to determine your actual exposure.

Matching Treatment Capacity to Household Demand

Choosing effective treatment equipment for 1,2,3-TCP involves considering your household's daily water usage. The Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter ships ready to configure and uses a targeted filtration approach designed to address this chlorinated solvent specifically. Sizing treatment capacity requires assessing peak and average water flow rates to ensure the filter media efficiently contacts the water and allows sufficient removal time. This approach helps ensure your household’s water demand is met without compromising treatment performance.

What You Should Not Conclude from Area Monitoring Data

Remember that EPA monitoring data for the Memphis Light, Gas & Water system reflects aggregated system-wide results and does not represent any one household's water quality. Detection levels reported are not violations or indicators of unsafe water but measurements from broad sampling efforts. The absence of detection above reporting levels in these samples does not guarantee complete absence in every well or home. Only a localized laboratory test can provide definitive information on your home's water quality concerning 1,2,3-trichloropropane. Use area data as a guide for considering whether to test and treat, not as a substitute for direct analysis.

In summary, while Shelby County’s public water shows no detectable 1,2,3-TCP above EPA monitoring thresholds, households concerned about this chlorinated solvent may consider independent testing. For those seeking treatment, the Fleck 1,2,3-TCP Filter offers a documented solution designed to manage this specific water quality challenge tailored to residential water use.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2015-12-08. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Memphis Light, Gas & Water (TN0000450), TN: 20 results across 1 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level