Pentachlorophenol
Northampton Water Department
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 | 6 | 0 | ND |
| 2019 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2020 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2021 | ND | 6 | 0 | ND |
| 2022 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| 2023 | N/A | 0 | 0 | N/A |
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 | Result |
|---|---|
| 2018-02-15 | ND |
| 2018-02-15 | ND |
| 2018-02-15 | ND |
| 2018-08-09 | ND |
| 2018-08-09 | ND |
| 2018-08-09 | ND |
| 2021-02-04 | ND |
| 2021-02-04 | ND |
| 2021-02-04 | ND |
| 2021-07-14 | ND |
| 2021-07-14 | ND |
| 2021-07-14 | ND |