Are VOCs in My Water? VOCs in Drinking Water Explained

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that easily evaporate into air and dissolve into water. In drinking water, VOCs typically come from gasoline, industrial solvents, dry cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and fuel leaks. Disinfection byproducts, produced by chlorinating drinking water, are also VOCs. Some VOCs are linked to cancer, liver damage, nervous system effects, and other long-term health risks.

Because many VOCs cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted at harmful levels, testing is the only reliable way to know if they are present in your water. The following guide breaks down how VOCs get into water, why they matter, and how to test them accurately.

Table of Contents:

• What Are VOCs?
• Common VOCs in Drinking Water
• How Do VOCs Get Into Drinking Water?
• Are VOCs Harmful?
• Can You Smell or Taste VOCs in Water?
• How to Test for VOCs in Water
• How to Remove VOCs from Drinking Water
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that contain carbon and easily vaporize into the air. They are commonly found in fuels, degreasers, solvents, paints, and industrial chemicals. Disinfection byproducts formed by chlorination of drinking water, like trihalomethanes, are also VOCs and are common in utility-supplied drinking water.

When VOCs spill, leak, or are improperly disposed of, they can seep into soil and contaminate groundwater — which may feed private wells or public water systems. VOCs are common in areas with oil & gas, dry cleaning facilities, and dense industrial activity.[1]

How Prevalent Are VOCs in Water?

A more recent national assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), based on samples collected from 2013–2019 from 1,537 public‑supply wells, detected VOCs in 38% of sampled wells (36% of sampled principal‑aquifer area).[2]

In that dataset, chloroform (a disinfection byproduct) was among the more commonly detected VOCs associated with human activity.[3] These detections occurred in California, Nevada, Florida, as well as the New England and mid-Atlantic states.

Common VOCs Found in Drinking Water

In addition to trihalomethanes (THMs) (like chloroform), other frequently detected VOCs in drinking water include:

• MTBE: A fuel oxygenate/additive
• Benzene: Found in gasoline; known human carcinogen
• Toluene: Found in gasoline
• Ethylbenzene: Found in gasoline
• Xylenes: Found in gasoline
• Vinyl chloride: Used to make PVC, breakdown product of solvents
• Perchloroethylene (PCE) & Trichloroethylene (TCE): Solvents found in dry-cleaning products, adhesives, and household cleaners

Some of these chemicals are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).

Trihalomethanes and HAA5 in Drinking Water 

How Do VOCs Get Into Drinking Water?

VOCs easily dissolve and leach into groundwater, and most VOCs found in drinking water are caused by human activity. Disinfection byproducts, many of which are VOCs, are formed when drinking water is chlorinated.

VOCs in Private Well Water

Private wells are more vulnerable to VOC contamination because groundwater is directly influenced by nearby land use.

Common sources include:

• Leaking underground fuel tanks
• Gas stations
• Industrial facilities
• Landfills
• Septic system discharge
• Agricultural chemical runoff
• Flooding events

Because private wells are not regulated by the EPA, well owners are responsible for testing their own water quality. VOC contamination is highly situational. To get a better idea of your risks, pay attention to industrial developments in your area. 

VOCs in Municipal Tap Water

Public water systems test for regulated VOCs, but contamination can still occur when:

• Source water becomes polluted
• Industrial discharge enters waterways
• Distribution systems are compromised
• Treatment systems fail

Utilities must comply with EPA standards, but trace levels may still be present. This is especially true of disinfection byproducts, which are very common in chlorinated water but are regulated to remain below certain levels.

Are there EPA Standards for VOCs?

The EPA sets enforceable limits (MCLs) for regulated VOCs; it also sets health-based, non-enforceable contaminant level goals (MCLGs).[4] MCLs are set as close as feasible to the health goal while considering treatment and cost. Many VOC standards were established through EPA’s Phase I/II/V rules (late 1980s–early 1990s), so it’s smart to compare your results to both MCLs and health-based goals where available.[5]

Are VOCs Harmful?

While VOCs are a wide variety of chemicals with varied health effects still undergoing study, several VOCs are linked to a range of short- and long-term health risks. Health effects depend on:

• The specific VOC
• The concentration
• Duration of exposure
• Individual sensitivity

Most adverse health effects happen when people are exposed to contaminated drinking water over a long period of time.

Long-term exposure to certain VOCs has been linked to:

• Increased cancer risk
• Liver and kidney damage
• Nervous system effects
• Reproductive impacts
• Immune system disruption
  

Some VOCs (like benzene and vinyl chloride) are known human carcinogens.[7]

Who Is Most At-risk?

Those most at risk harmful health effects from high levels of VOC exposure include: 

• Private well owners
• Rural homeowners near industrial agriculture operations
• Residents of homes near gas stations
• Those in flood-prone areas and iIndustrial corridors

Remember: Risk depends on dose. Trace detection does not automatically mean a serious health threat — but elevated levels require action.

Can You Smell or Taste VOCs in Water?

Sometimes — but not reliably. While some VOCs can cause noticeable odors at higher levels, many VOCs are not reliably detectable by taste or smell at drinking-water concentrations. Aesthetic markers include:

• Gasoline-like odor
• Chemical taste

An absence of a taste or odor does not mean absence of VOCs. Testing is the only dependable way to know. Outside of having your water tested by a laboratory, reviewing your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (if relevant) or contacting your local utility or public health department is a good way to find out which contaminants may be in your drinking water distribution system.

How to Test for VOCs in Water

VOCs require specialized laboratory testing. They cannot be reliably detected with:

• Basic test strips
• Home DIY kits
• Visual inspection
  

Proper VOC testing requires:

• Airtight sample containers
• No air bubbles (no “headspace”)
• Certified laboratory analysis

Tap Score offers both VOC test kits and SVOC (semi-volatile organic compounds) test kits. Every one of our certified lab VOC tests offers state-of-the-art laboratory analysis. All you have to do is follow the easy-to-read sampling instructions and mail them out using the pre-paid shipping label.

Your results will include a detailed breakdown of all parameters tested in one easy-to-understand report, including health-risk analysis, information about common sources, and how your water’s levels compare to a variety of regulatory and public health guideline thresholds. Each report also includes unbiased treatment recommendations tailored to address any issues found in your water.

Want a detailed picture of your overall water quality?

The Advanced City and the Advanced Well water kits test for VOCs in addition to an array of key drinking water parameters and contaminants relevant to city water customers and private well owners.

We recommend well owners test their well water for VOCs at least every 3 to 5 years. Consider more frequent testing if you live near a landfill, factory, gas station, fuel tank, or dry-cleaning operation.[8]

Regardless of water source, you may want to test if:

• You live near a gas station or industrial site
• There has been a fuel spill in your area
• Your home is near farmland
• Your water smells like gasoline or chemicals
• Your area has known groundwater contamination
• You recently experienced flooding
  

Even without obvious warning signs, routine water testing helps ensure long-term safety.

How to Remove VOCs from Drinking Water

The best filter or treatment method for VOCs depends on the type and concentration of VOC present. We explore many of the common treatment methods below:

Activated Carbon (GAC)

• Effective for many petroleum-based VOCs
• Often used in under-sink or whole-house systems

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

• RO is effective at reducing many VOCs
• Can be installed at the point-of-entry (POE) for whole-house filtration or point-of-use (POU)

Aeration / Air Stripping

• Used for higher contamination levels
• Often whole-house treatment
  

However, treatment selection should be based on lab results. Always pay attention to whether or not the treatment device in question is certified by a third-party like NSF or WQA to NSF/ANSI standards.[9]

Quick Guide to NSF Certified Water Filters for VOCs

Frequently Asked Questions

VOCs, SVOCs, PFAS: What’s the difference?

VOCs evaporate quickly, SVOCs evaporate more slowly, and PFAS are extremely persistent and do not break down in the environment.

Are VOCs in drinking water common?

Yes. A USGS national assessment of public-supply wells detected VOCs in 38% of sampled wells (2013–2019 sampling). In addition, disinfection byproducts are very common in utility-supplied water.

Can I tell if VOCs are in my water by smell or taste?

Not reliably. Many VOCs aren’t noticeable at drinking water-relevant concentrations, so testing is the only dependable way to know. 

Are VOCs only a concern if I drink the water?

Not always. You can also inhale volatile chemicals or experience dermal exposure during household water use, like showering, which can contribute to overall exposure.[10] 

What are common VOC examples in drinking water discussions?

Examples include benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), vinyl chloride, and chloroform (a common disinfection byproduct). 

What’s the difference between an MCL and an MCLG?

MCLGs are health goals, and, as such, non-enforceable. MCLs are enforceable limits set as close as possible to the health goal while considering treatment and cost. 

How do I find out what VOCs my city water has?

You can look at your utility’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), the annual drinking water quality report required for community water systems. A mail-to-lab water testing kit will get you the most specific results. 

Do private wells have VOC testing requirements?

Private wells aren’t covered by the regulations that protect public drinking water systems, so owners are responsible for ensuring well safety through testing. 

What’s the most accurate way to test for VOCs at home?

A mail‑in certified laboratory test is usually the most accurate consumer option; VOC sampling must avoid air bubbles/headspace to prevent losses. 

Do water filters remove VOCs?

Some do, depending on the VOC and the filter. Look for independent certification (e.g., NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for VOC reduction claims and match treatment to your test results. 

Does boiling water remove VOCs?

Boiling tap water is not a good option for removing VOCs from your drinking water. While boiling water removes VOCs from the water itself, the VOCs are now released into the air which is also a health hazard. Boiling may also cause additional problems by concentrating other contaminants like heavy metals.  

More Questions About VOCs in Water?  

Contact the Tap Score team of treatment experts, water quality engineers, and chemists any time using the live chat or sending us an email!

We’re happy to answer your questions about VOCs — or any other water quality issues you might have.