Volatile Organic Compounds, such as benzene, toluene, methylene
chloride, and methyl chloroform(4), are carbon containing compounds
that can evaporate into the air and sometimes end up in groundwater
(1)*. VOCs can occur naturally or as a result of human activities.
VOCs are also common additives in commercial and household products
such as gasoline, varnishes and cleaners (2) and can make their way
from these products into groundwater supplies.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (3) and the
Minnesota Department of Health, the following factors may
contribute to VOC's in private well water:
- Location - Industrial and commercial areas, gas
stations, landfills, and dry-cleaning operations can all be sources
of contamination.
- Well
depth - Shallower wells may become contaminated
quicker and more easily than deeper wells.
- Geology - If the groundwater is covered in sand or
porous soil, it is more vulnerable than thick soil which can reduce
the intrusion from contaminants.
- Time - It could be months or years before a
spill is discovered or has contaminated groundwater because of the
water's slow-moving nature.
If you are concerned about the possible presence of VOCs in your
private well water, a sure way to ease your mind is a simple call
to your local Culligan Man. He
will work to provide you with a well water testing service
recommendation, and then discuss what your treatment options may
be. Culligan has a range of products and services which can assist
in alleviating the impact of VOCs in your water, including the
Culligan Aqua-Cleer® drinking water filtration system.
Contact your Culligan dealer today for more information.
*Volatile organic compounds and other contaminants and
impurities are not necessarily in your water.
1) http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/hazardous/topics/vocs.html#what
2) http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1292/pdf/circular1292.pdf
3) http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/well/upload/2003_06_03_privatewells_pdfs_household_wells.pdf
4) http://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/glossary.htm#v
