Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter

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If You Observe Why Volatility Matters for VOC Exposure in Household Water

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), also called volatile organics or solvent compounds, are a group of chemical contaminants that can dissolve in groundwater. Though detected substances like 1,1-dichloroethane, chloromethane, bromomethane, HCFC-22, Halon 1011, 1,3-butadiene, and MTBE have not been found above reporting levels in the Washington (MO6010838) public water supply serving Franklin County, understanding volatility is important for household exposure routes.

VOCs can evaporate from water when it is heated or agitated, as during showering, dishwashing, or cooking. This volatilization releases compounds into indoor air, creating inhalation exposure routes in addition to consumption risks. Because the EPA’s UCMR3 monitoring for this system (2013-2015) showed no detections above reporting levels (e.g., 0.03 to 5.0 micrograms per liter or parts per billion for listed VOCs), inhalation via volatilization is typically low, but a household-specific test is required for certainty.

If You Observe How Seasonal Water-Table Changes Move a Solvent Plume Relative to Well Screens

Groundwater VOC concentrations can vary seasonally as the water table shifts. These fluctuations move solvent plumes horizontally and vertically, causing the concentration detected at a well screen to change over time. In Franklin County’s Washington water system, federal monitoring did not detect VOCs above reporting levels, but individual wells may experience seasonal variability if near contamination sources.

Understanding these dynamics helps households interpret their water tests and consider timing when deciding on treatment strategies. Seasonal changes might temporarily reduce or concentrate dissolved solvent compounds, affecting exposure risks.

If You Observe the Household or Facility Symptoms That Do and Do Not Point to This Problem

Some household signs can suggest VOC presence but are not definitive. Commonly reported issues like strange tastes or odors may arise from VOCs, although no aesthetic or health violations are present in Washington’s public water record. Symptoms unrelated to VOCs include staining, hardness, or discoloration caused by other constituents.

Because VOCs often have no taste or smell at low levels, their presence is best confirmed through laboratory testing of the water supply serving the home.

If You Observe the Role of Plumbing Material and Age, Separate from the Source Water

Plumbing materials and pipe age can affect water quality independently of source water VOC levels. Plastic, copper, or older galvanized pipes may impart different aesthetic qualities or interact with water chemistry, but do not generate VOCs themselves. Evaluating VOC concerns involves testing water before it enters household plumbing.

If You Observe What Changes for a Large Household, a Second Home, or a Seasonal Property

Water use patterns in larger households or seasonal residences influence treatment needs. Larger water demand may require more robust treatment capacity to address VOCs effectively. Seasonal properties with intermittent use might experience changes in VOC exposure if stagnant water allows contaminants to increase or dissipate differently.

If You Observe What a Certified Laboratory Test for This Constituent Reports and How to Read It

A certified laboratory test report for VOCs in your water supply will list detected compounds with concentrations in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). Reporting limits indicate the smallest concentration measurable. The EPA’s UCMR3 monitoring results for the Washington system reported zero detections above these levels for the relevant VOCs, but individual well testing is needed to know your home's water specifics.

Reading such reports involves noting which VOCs are detected, at what concentrations, and comparing them to health-based guidelines where available. Many VOCs lack federal maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), so treatment decisions weigh detection and potential exposure routes more than compliance.

Documented solution for VOC concerns in this region: The Autotrol VOCs & Industrial Chemicals Filter ships ready to configure for residential use. This system employs treatment technology validated to reduce solvent compounds effectively, addressing household VOC exposure given the demand measured by your water test.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2013-10-01. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Washington (MO6010838), MO: 124 results across 7 listed contaminants, 0 detections above the reporting level; nothing detected above the method reporting level