Contaminants

SYNTHETIC ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (SOCs)

Contaminant Sources

Sources of synthetic organic compound contamination in drinking water include the following:

Agricultural herbicides
Pesticides

Monitoring Requirements

Monitoring is required twice in three years for larger systems and once in three years for smaller systems.

Sampling Procedures

The sample is taken at point-of-entry after storage and/or treatment, and before service connections. Sample form 3300-216, "Synthetic Organic Analysis from Commercial Laboratories" will be sent to the facilities by the WDNR during the first week of the quarter during which sampling is required. It is the facility's responsibility to order bottles, collect samples, and notify the WDNR of the results. The form must be sent to the labs along with the samples. A separate form must be filled out for each sample. It is the responsibility of the facility to contract with a lab certified for SDWA (SOC) testing. Facilities should follow the sampling and shipping procedures required by the certified laboratory they have chosen to do the testing.

1. Label each bottle with the Facility ID number and entry point number.

2. Run water until it is cold to obtain a representative sample.

3. Fill one-liter amber bottles to the bottom of the screw cap. The 40-ml vials should be filled with no air bubbles. Do not use plastic containers, funnels or hoses to collect the sample.

4. One-liter amber bottles contain sodium thiosulfate as a dechlorinating agent. The 40-ml carbamate vials contain 1.2 ml of monochloroacetic acid. Add sodium thiosulfate powder to the 40-ml vials if the water contains residual chlorine.

5. Samples should be kept cold at all times. To assure that the samples stay cold during transit, freeze the blue ice pack that is enclosed with the 40-ml vials. Add water to the one-liter refrigerant bottle then freeze it and replace it in the mailer. Immediately cool sample bottles by placing them in the shipper with ice packs or a bottle of ice.

6. Complete a SOC lab slip (Form 3300-216) for each entry point. Be sure that all bottles have the same PWSID and entry point number that appears on the lab slip.

7. Enclose the lab slip in a plastic bag.

8. Cool the shipping case using a bottle of ice.

9. Seal the shipping cases by completely encircling them with strapping tape.

10. Remove the mailing label from the plastic bag on the outside of the box and ship immediately to the lab using "Parcel Post-Special Handling".

Reporting Requirements

Upon receipt of the completed sample form from the laboratory, check to make sure that the required (checked items on back) testing was done. Then sign and date the form and submit it to the WDNR within ten days after completion of the test or within the following timeframes:

Ten days following the month in which the result is received.
Ten days following the end of the compliance period.

It is recommended that you keep a copy of the completed form for your records (click here for sample form in PDF format). Report all MCL, monitoring and public notification violations to the WDNR within 24 hours.

Treatment Options

Health Effects

The health effects associated with the presence of Synthetic Organic Compounds in drinking water vary depending on many factors including the type of contaminant present, the levels found, and the duration of the exposure. Generally, health effects associated with exposure to SOCs include the risk of cancer, anemia, damage to the eyes, liver, kidneys and spleen, and problems with the cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems.