VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that can evaporate easily at room temperature. Some VOCs are used in fuels, solvents, paints, cleaning products, adhesives, industrial processes, and manufacturing.
Because VOCs can enter groundwater, surface water, and household plumbing systems, they are an important drinking water topic for homeowners. This guide explains what VOCs are, where they come from, how they may get into drinking water, and how to reduce exposure at home.
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What Are VOCs?
VOCs stand for volatile organic compounds. “Volatile” means these compounds can evaporate into the air relatively easily, and “organic” means they contain carbon.
VOCs include many different chemicals. Some occur naturally, but many are associated with petroleum products, solvents, industrial chemicals, degreasers, paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents.
Common VOCs That May Be Found in Water
Examples of VOCs that may be monitored in drinking water include:
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Xylenes
- Trichloroethylene, also called TCE
- Tetrachloroethylene, also called PCE or perchloroethylene
- Vinyl chloride
- Methylene chloride
- MTBE
The specific VOCs found in water vary by location, water source, nearby land use, and historical contamination sources.
How Do VOCs Get Into Drinking Water?
VOCs may enter drinking water through spills, leaks, improper disposal, industrial activity, fuel storage, or contaminated groundwater. Once VOCs enter groundwater, they may move through aquifers and affect wells or public water sources.
Common sources include:
- Gasoline leaks and underground storage tanks
- Dry cleaning chemicals
- Industrial solvents and degreasers
- Manufacturing facilities
- Landfills and waste sites
- Paints, adhesives, and chemical disposal
- Agricultural or commercial chemical use in some areas
Can You Taste or Smell VOCs in Water?
Sometimes, but not always. Certain VOCs may give water a chemical, fuel-like, solvent-like, or unpleasant taste or odor. However, VOCs can also be present at levels that are not obvious by taste, smell, or appearance.
If you suspect VOC contamination, laboratory testing is the most reliable way to understand what may be present.
Potential Health Concerns
Health concerns vary widely depending on the specific VOC, concentration, and length of exposure. Some VOCs are regulated in public drinking water because long-term exposure above certain levels may be associated with health risks.
Potential concerns studied for certain VOCs include effects involving:
- Liver health
- Kidney health
- Nervous system effects
- Developmental concerns
- Increased cancer risk for some compounds
Because VOCs are a broad category, it is important to identify the specific compound rather than treating all VOCs as the same.
EPA Standards for VOCs in Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates several VOCs in public drinking water systems under federal drinking water standards. Each regulated compound has its own Maximum Contaminant Level, often called an MCL.
Public water systems monitor for regulated VOCs and must take action when levels exceed federal standards. Private well owners are generally responsible for testing and managing their own water quality.
Who May Be More Likely to Have VOCs in Water?
VOCs may be more likely in water near certain land uses or historical contamination sites.
Examples include homes near:
- Gas stations or old underground fuel tanks
- Dry cleaners
- Industrial areas
- Manufacturing sites
- Military facilities
- Landfills or waste disposal areas
- Known groundwater contamination plumes
If you use a private well near one of these areas, testing may be especially important.
Should Private Well Owners Test for VOCs?
Yes, especially if the well is near a potential source of contamination. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not routinely monitored by a utility.
Testing may be helpful if:
- Your water has a chemical or fuel-like odor
- Your home is near a gas station, dry cleaner, or industrial site
- Your area has known groundwater contamination
- You recently purchased a home with a private well
- You have never tested your well for VOCs
How Can Homeowners Reduce VOC Exposure?
If you are concerned about VOCs in drinking water, consider these practical steps:
- Review your local water quality report if you receive municipal water.
- Check whether your area has known groundwater contamination issues.
- Test private well water through a certified laboratory when appropriate.
- Use a quality point-of-use filtration system designed to reduce VOCs.
- Replace filter elements according to product guidance.
Berkey® Water Filters and VOC Reduction
Berkey® countertop gravity-fed water filter systems are designed for everyday household use.
When equipped with Black Berkey® Replacement Filters, Berkey® systems are designed to reduce a broad range of unwanted contaminants, including many VOCs, while leaving beneficial minerals in the water.
For most households, the Big Berkey® Water Filter offers an excellent balance of capacity, convenience, and daily countertop use.
Choosing the Right Berkey® System
| System | Capacity | Recommended For | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Berkey® | 1.5 Gallons | Singles & Couples | View Product |
| Big Berkey® | 2.25 Gallons | Most Families | View Product |
| Royal Berkey® | 3.25 Gallons | Larger Families | View Product |
| Imperial Berkey® | 4.5 Gallons | High Daily Water Use | View Product |
| Crown Berkey® | 6 Gallons | Large Homes & Offices | View Product |
Related Drinking Water Guides
Learn more about common drinking water contaminants and filtration:
- Drinking Water Contaminants Reference Guide
- Lead in Drinking Water Guide
- PFAS in Drinking Water Guide
- Arsenic in Drinking Water Guide
- VOCs in Drinking Water Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VOC mean?
VOC stands for volatile organic compound. VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that can evaporate easily and are often associated with fuels, solvents, paints, cleaners, and industrial products.
How do VOCs get into drinking water?
VOCs may enter drinking water through fuel leaks, chemical spills, dry cleaning solvents, industrial activity, landfills, or contaminated groundwater.
Can boiling water remove VOCs?
Boiling is not a recommended treatment method for VOCs. Because VOCs can evaporate, boiling may release certain compounds into indoor air rather than providing a reliable water treatment solution.
Can I smell VOCs in water?
Some VOCs may cause a chemical, solvent-like, or fuel-like odor, but not all VOCs are noticeable. Testing is the best way to identify specific compounds.
Are VOCs regulated in public water systems?
Yes. The EPA regulates several VOCs in public drinking water systems, each with its own federal limit.
Should private well owners test for VOCs?
Private well owners should consider testing if the well is near gas stations, dry cleaners, industrial areas, landfills, known contamination sites, or if the water has an unusual chemical odor.
Which Berkey® system is best for most families?
The Big Berkey® Water Filter is the most popular choice for families because it offers a practical 2.25-gallon capacity and convenient countertop gravity-fed filtration.
Where can I buy replacement filters?
You can shop genuine replacement elements on our Berkey® Replacement Filters page.
Final Thoughts
VOCs are an important drinking water topic because they can come from fuels, solvents, industrial chemicals, and contaminated groundwater. Some VOCs may create noticeable taste or odor issues, while others may not be obvious without testing.
Reviewing your local water quality report, testing when appropriate, and using a quality point-of-use filtration system can help you take practical steps toward better everyday water quality.
If you want a versatile countertop gravity-fed filtration system for daily household use, explore the Big Berkey® Water Filter.