Vinyl Chloride

There have been recent incidences in the news regarding vinyl chloride found in rural water district distribution systems due to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Vinyl chloride is a known carcinogen.

WaterOne has sampled for vinyl chloride and did not detect any; even in the areas that have PVC pipes. The sampling was performed under conditions in which vinyl chloride is most likely to leach from PVC pipes as described below.

The problem with leaching of vinyl chloride from the walls of PVC pipe apparently occurs at long dead end lines and when water temperatures are above 50 degrees F. PVC pipes that were manufactured prior to 1975 have primarily been shown to be a source of vinyl chloride leaching.

Specific information about vinyl chloride can be obtained by calling the EPA Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.