Volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and synthetic organic compounds (SOC's) are man made chemicals used for pesticides, solvents and various other manufacturing processes. They are in common household items such as cleaners, paints, plastics and gasoline. Their health effects range from the carcinogenic to effects on the liver, kidney, nerves, eyes, and gastric system. Trihalomethanes usually occur as a result of chlorination's action on trace natural organics.
Records of regulated and unregulated SOC & VOC analysis for Battle Ground water have been found for 1983, 1985, 1991, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003. Except for trihalomethanes (thm's), all VOC & SOC parameters have been below detectable limits. The total trihalomethane (thm's) mcl is 100 ppb. In 1983 total thm's were less than 14 ppb. In 1985 the report was not specific except that total thm's were less than the mcl. In 1991 they were undetectable (<0.5 ppb). In 1993, 1997 and 1998 wells #1 and #2 had a total thm result of less than 1 ppb and well #3 had each of all four thm results undetectable (less than 0.1 ppb). In 2000, 2001 and 2003 all VOC's, SOC's and TTHM's (total trihalomethanes) were undetectable. In 2005 the highest TTHM's level detected was 5.8 ppb MRT*.
There are 5 haloacetic acids (HAA5, a recently regulated parameter) which occur when some organics react with chlorine in water. The health effects include an increased risk of cancer. Results for 2003 = ND, 2005 = 1.1 ppb MRT*, lod = 1 ppb, mcl = 60 ppb.
*MRT = results measured at a point of Maximum Residence Time in the
distribution system during the warmest month of the year (sort of a worst-case
condition to determine the highest range of levels possible in our system).
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Edited 06/16/2006