Occurrence and potential human-health relevance of volatile organic compounds in drinking water from domestic wells in the United States.
BACKGROUND
As the population and demand for safe drinking water from domestic wells increase, it is important to examine water quality and contaminant occurrence. A national assessment in 2006 by the U.S. Geological Survey reported findings for 55 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on 2,401 domestic wells sampled during 1985-2002.


OBJECTIVE
We examined the occurrence of individual and multiple VOCs and assessed the potential human-health relevance of VOC concentrations. We also identified hydrogeologic and anthropogenic variables that influence the probability of VOC occurrence.


METHODS
The domestic well samples were collected at the wellhead before treatment of water and analyzed for 55 VOCs. Results were used to examine VOC occurrence and identify associations of multiple explanatory variables using logistic regression analyses. We used a screening-level assessment to compare VOC concentrations to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and health-based screening levels.


RESULTS
We detected VOCs in 65% of the samples; about one-half of these samples contained VOC mixtures. Frequently detected VOCs included chloroform, toluene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene, and perchloroethene. VOC concentrations generally were < 1 microg/L. One or more VOC concentrations were greater than MCLs in 1.2% of samples, including dibromochloropropane, 1,2-dichloropropane, and ethylene dibromide (fumigants); perchloroethene and trichloroethene (solvents); and 1,1-dichloroethene (organic synthesis compound).


CONCLUSIONS
Drinking water supplied by domestic wells is vulnerable to low-level VOC contamination. About 1% of samples had concentrations of potential human-health concern. Identifying factors associated with VOC occurrence may aid in understanding the sources, transport, and fate of VOCs in groundwater.
Rowe
Barbara L
BL
US Geological Survey, Rapid City, South Dakota 57702, USA. blrowe@usgs.gov
Toccalino
Patricia L
PL
Moran
Michael J
MJ
Zogorski
John S
JS
Price
Curtis V
CV
D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D011634:Public Health; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States; D014835:Volatilization; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000592:standards
D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical