Heptachlor epoxide
Middlesex Water System
Heptachlor epoxide is a breakdown product of heptachlor, a highly toxic and carcinogenic pesticide banned in the U.S. since the 1980s.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 0.0320 ppb | 4 | 2 | ND - 0.0690 ppb |
| 2015 | 0.0127 ppb | 3 | 1 | ND - 0.0380 ppb |
| 2016 | 0.0480 ppb | 6 | 3 | ND - 0.160 ppb |
| 2017 | ND | 2 | 0 | ND |
| 2018 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State and national drinking water standards and health guidelines
EWG Health Guideline 0.006 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.006 ppb for heptachlor epoxide was defined by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment as a public health goal, the level of a drinking water contaminant that does not pose a significant health risk. This health guideline protects against cancer.
EPA Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL) 0.2 ppb
The legal limit for heptachlor epoxide, established in 1991, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set. This limit may not fully protect against the risk of cancer.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-01-23 | 8715-012314-005S | 0.0690 ppb |
| 2014-04-09 | 8715-040914-005S | 0.0590 ppb |
| 2014-08-20 | 8715-082014-005S | ND |
| 2014-10-08 | 8715-100814-005S | ND |
| 2015-03-12 | 0.0380 ppb | |
| 2015-06-16 | ND | |
| 2015-08-24 | ND | |
| 2016-04-06 | 8715-040616-004S | ND |
| 2016-04-06 | 8715-040616-005S | 0.0480 ppb |
| 2016-04-06 | 8715-040616-002S | ND |
| 2016-04-06 | 8715-040616-001S | ND |
| 2016-07-21 | 8715-072116-005S | 0.160 ppb |
| 2016-10-10 | 8715-101016-005S | 0.0800 ppb |
| 2017-01-11 | 8715-011117-005S | ND |
| 2017-04-11 | 8715-041117-005S | ND |
| 2018-04-03 | 8715-040318-005S | ND |
| 2019-06-25 | 68650-01 | ND |
| 2019-12-17 | 76213-01 | ND |
| 2019-12-17 | 76214-01 | ND |