Have you ever considered the potential dangers lurking in the tap water you use daily? Municipal water sources undergo treatment before being supplied to the public, but there’s always a risk of certain pollutants slipping through the cracks. Trichloroethylene TCE is one such contaminant, classified as a human carcinogen. Ingesting TCE can lead to severe health issues. This blog aims to equip you with all the necessary information about TCE in water, its dangers, potential sources, and most importantly, how to avoid it.

What is Trichloroethylene (TCE)?

Trichloroethene, often called TCE, is a colourless liquid with a sweet, chloroform-like odour. It’s classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC), meaning it readily evaporates into the air. TCE has numerous industrial applications, primarily as a degreaser for metals and a solvent in refrigerants and other cleaning products. Due to its widespread use, TCE contamination is a concern in many areas.

How Does TCE Get into Water?

TCE can enter water sources through various pathways:

  • Industrial waste: Improper disposal practices from factories and manufacturing plants can allow TCE to seep into the ground, eventually contaminating groundwater supplies.
  • Landfills: Leachate drains from landfills can contain TCE from discarded products. If not properly contained, it can contaminate nearby water sources.
  • Spills: Accidental spills during transportation or storage of TCE can pollute nearby water bodies.
  • Past use: Though less common today, TCE was once used in consumer products and cleaning solutions. Improper disposal of these products in the past can contribute to long-term groundwater contamination.

Health Risks of TCE Exposure

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified TCE as a likely human carcinogen. Chronic exposure to TCE in drinking water has been linked to various health problems, including:

  • Certain cancers: TCE is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer, kidney cancer, and some types of lymphomas.
  • Congenital disabilities: Exposure to TCE during pregnancy can increase the risk of congenital disabilities, particularly heart malformations.
  • Nervous system problems: Chronic TCE exposure can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms may be mild initially and may not be immediately attributed to TCE exposure. However, prolonged exposure can lead to more severe conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or even coma. If you experience these symptoms regularly and suspect TCE contamination in your water, getting your water tested and seeking medical advice is essential.
  • Immune system effects: TCE may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
  • Reproductive problems: Studies suggest TCE exposure may affect fertility and fetal development.

It’s crucial to understand that the severity of health effects from TCE exposure is directly linked to the level and duration of exposure. While short-term exposure to low levels of TCE may not cause immediate health problems, long-term exposure to even small amounts can pose a significant health risk. This should be a cause for concern and a strong motivation to reduce TCE exposure.

How to Know if Your Water Contains TCE

The good news is that public water systems in the United States must test for TCE and other contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act, a federal law that sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the testing and treatment of public water supplies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for enforcing this law and ensuring that public water supplies are safe. You can usually find annual water quality reports from your local water supplier that detail the levels of various contaminants detected in your drinking water, providing transparency and accountability.

If you have a private well, it’s crucial to have your water tested regularly for TCE and other contaminants. The process is simple: you collect a water sample in a clean container, make sure not to touch the inside of the lid or the container, and send it to a certified water testing lab. You can contact your local health department or a certified water testing lab for guidance on the testing procedures, which are often simple and affordable.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to TCE in Water

If you’re concerned about TCE in your drinking water, here are some steps you can take:

  • Test your water: Get your water tested, especially if you have a private well or suspect contamination.
  • Treatment options: Several water treatment systems can effectively remove TCE from drinking water. These include activated carbon filtration, which is effective for removing low to moderate levels of TCE. However, their effectiveness can diminish over time as the carbon becomes saturated with contaminants. Reverse osmosis and distillation are also effective methods, but they can be more expensive and may remove beneficial minerals from the water. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing a water treatment system.
  • Public water information: Stay informed about the water quality reports from your local water supplier. Contact them if you have any concerns about TCE or other contaminants.
  • Alternative sources: If your water testing reveals high levels of TCE, consider using bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking.

The Importance of Public Awareness

TCE contamination is a pressing public health concern. By raising awareness about the risks and advocating for stricter TCE uses and disposal regulations, we can all play a significant role in ensuring safe drinking water for all. This is not just a responsibility of the authorities but also a duty we all share as citizens. Here are some ways you can contribute:

  • Educate yourself and others: Share information about TCE in water with your family, friends, and community.
  • Support environmental advocacy groups: These organizations play a crucial role in advocating for stricter regulations on TCE and other contaminants. They conduct research, raise awareness, and lobby for policy changes that can protect our water resources. By supporting them, you can contribute to their efforts and help ensure that our water is safe for everyone.
  • Contact your local representatives: Express your concerns about water quality and urge them to support policies that protect our water resources.

Additional Tips and Resources

While vigilance is crucial, living in constant fear is unnecessary. Here are some additional tips for peace of mind:

  • Know your water source: If you rely on a private well, it’s important to learn about the potential sources of contamination in your area. TCE Trichloroethylene can come from nearby industrial sites, landfills, or even past use of consumer products. Local environmental agencies might have valuable information about these sources and can help you understand the potential risks.
  • Regular maintenance: If you have a water treatment system for TCE removal, such as an activated carbon filter, it’s important to ensure it’s adequately maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Regular carbon filter replacement is crucial for optimal performance and to ensure that TCE and other contaminants are effectively removed from your drinking water. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced effectiveness and potential health risks.
  • Invest in a home water filter: While not guaranteed to remove TCE entirely, a good quality home water filter certified for VOC reduction can provide an extra layer of protection, especially for short-term use, while awaiting a permanent solution.

Myths and Misconceptions about TCE in Water

While information about TCE in water can be concerning, it’s important to dispel some common myths: Myth 1: Boiling water removes TCE. This is not true. Boiling water effectively kills bacteria but does not remove VOCs like TCE. In fact, as the volume reduces, boiling can concentrate TCE in the remaining water, making it more harmful.

  • Myth 1: Boiling water removes TCE. Boiling water effectively kills bacteria but does not remove VOCs like TCE. As the volume reduces, boiling can concentrate TCE in the remaining water.
  • Myth 2: Small amounts of TCE are harmless. Even at low levels, the long-term health effects of TCE exposure are a concern. Minimising exposure as much as possible is crucial, especially for pregnant women and young children.
  • Myth 3: I can do nothing if my water has TCE. This is not true. Several effective options are available. Water treatment systems like activated carbon filtration or reverse osmosis can successfully remove TCE. Additionally, advocating for stricter regulations on TCE uses and disposal can help prevent future contamination. So, there is hope and action we can take to address this issue.

Treatment Options for TCE in Water

Removing TCE from contaminated water requires specialised treatment methods. Here’s a breakdown of some common options:

  • Activated Carbon Filtration: This popular method employs activated carbon, a highly porous material that adsorbs TCE molecules from the water as it passes through. Activated carbon filters are effective for removing low to moderate levels of TCE. However, their effectiveness can diminish over time as the carbon becomes saturated with contaminants. Regular replacement of the carbon filter is crucial for optimal performance.
  • Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO is a pressure-driven technology that utilises a semipermeable membrane to filter contaminants from water. It’s highly effective in removing TCE and other dissolved impurities. RO systems typically consist of pre-filters to protect the membrane and a post-filtration stage to improve the taste and quality of the treated water. While very effective, RO systems can be more expensive to install and maintain than activated carbon filtration. Additionally, they tend to produce wastewater that needs proper disposal.

Choosing the most suitable treatment method depends on various factors, including:

  1. Level of TCE contamination: The severity of contamination dictates the required level of removal.
  2. Water flow rate: Treatment systems have varying flow rates, which need to match your daily water usage needs.
  3. Budget: Costs associated with installation, maintenance, and replacement filters differ between treatment options.
  4. Available space: Some systems require more physical space for installation than others.

Consulting a qualified water treatment professional can help you evaluate your needs and recommend the most appropriate system for TCE removal.

Conclusion

Even though TCE contamination can be seen as a threat, the best defence is knowledge. Thus, you and your closest ones can minimise the potential hazards by knowing the possible risks, the existing treatments, and the current legislation.

Remember, Water is a basic need, not a luxury. Do not remain passive and silent—raise your voice to demand more stringent measures regarding TCE utilisation and disposal. Together, as one community, we will ensure that future generations get a chance to enjoy clean water.

Change begins with you. Take a water test, contribute to causes that promote clean water, and educate people. We can reduce TCE contamination levels and preserve this valuable asset for future generations.

Contact us now.