Pentachlorophenol
Guilford Water Authority
Pentachlorophenol is a carcinogenic chemical used as a wood preservative. It harms developing fetuses, and causes immune suppression and hormone disruption.
Samples
Samples exceeding legal limit (MCL)
Samples exceeding
health guidelines
Testing results - average by year
| Year | Average result | Samples taken | Detections | Range of results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ND | 3 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | ND | 1 | 0 | ND |
| 2020 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
| 2021 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2022 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | ND | 10 | 0 | ND |
ppb = parts per billion
State, National, and Health Guidelines for Drinking Water
EWG Health Guideline: 0.3 ppb
The EWG Health Guideline of 0.3 ppb for pentachlorophenol 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): 1 ppb
The legal limit for pentachlorophenol, established in 1991, was based on analytical detection limits at the time that the standard was set.
ppb = parts per billion
All test results
| Date | Lab ID | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-05-29 | 8055384-01 | ND |
| 2018-09-04 | 8091925-01 | ND |
| 2018-12-11 | 8122846-01 | ND |
| 2019-03-05 | 9032320-01 | ND |
| 2020-06-09 | 22559599.00 | ND |
| 2020-06-09 | 22559569.00 | ND |
| 2020-06-09 | 22559539.00 | ND |
| 2020-09-09 | 23136541.00 | ND |
| 2020-09-09 | 23136557.00 | ND |
| 2020-09-09 | 23136587.00 | ND |
| 2023-05-17 | 29053235.00 | ND |
| 2023-05-17 | 29053251.00 | ND |
| 2023-05-17 | 29053267.00 | ND |
| 2023-05-24 | 29053425.00 | ND |
| 2023-05-24 | 29053392.00 | ND |
| 2023-07-18 | 29651147.00 | ND |
| 2023-07-18 | 29651239.00 | ND |
| 2023-07-18 | 29651159.00 | ND |
| 2023-08-01 | 29651273.00 | ND |
| 2023-08-01 | 29651220.00 | ND |