Abstract |
Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) has been identified in Raynham drinking water supply samples (both before and after GAC filtration) . Since 8/9/84 samples (after GAC) show a mean MTBE concentration of 7.8 microg/1, with a range of non-detectable - 22 microg/1. The are recent samples (since 9/27/84) all contain MTBE at levels in excess of 10 microg/1. Benzene has been reported in Raynham drinking water samples in the past, but none has been detected recently. Analysis of available toxicological literature regarding methyl tertiary butyl ether and structurally similar compounds suggests that long-term consumption of water containing 0-22 microg/1 of MTBE is not a public health problem. This water supply should be continuously monitored in the future, with results being sent to this office for review. The appearance of compounds other than MTBE in this water supply would be especially important. |