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1,4-Dioxane Contamination

1,4-Dioxane in Utah Drinking Water

Ranked by max 1,4-dioxane detected (µg/L) · UCMR 3 data (2013–2015) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

2
Cities Tested
1
Over HA
50%
% Over HA
0.59 µg/L
State Avg
▲ 15% vs national
vs National
150
Health Violations

1,4-Dioxane in Utah: what the data shows

Utah has 2 cities with 1,4-dioxane data from the EPA's UCMR 3 program (2013–2015). 1,4-Dioxane was detected above the 0.35 µg/L EPA health advisory in 1 of those cities. The state average max detected level is 0.59 µg/L. 1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic industrial chemical used as a solvent stabilizer. It enters water supplies primarily from industrial discharge and contaminated groundwater plumes near manufacturing sites, landfills, and military bases. It is highly mobile in groundwater and resistant to biodegradation. The EPA classifies 1,4-dioxane as a likely human carcinogen. Long-term exposure is associated with liver and kidney damage. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) are the most effective treatment; conventional water treatment and standard carbon filters are generally ineffective against 1,4-dioxane.

Cities exceeding 0.35 µg/L EPA HA (no MCL)

Utah
50%
1 of 2 cities
▲ 15% above national rate (worse)
National avg
35%
394 of 1124 cities

1,4-Dioxane data across Utah

Each dot is a city with UCMR 3 1,4-dioxane testing data. Cities where 1,4-dioxane exceeds the 0.35 µg/L EPA health advisory are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Top 10 cities by 1,4-dioxane level in Utah

All Utah cities ranked by 1,4-dioxane level

# City Level Level Over HA? Violations Grade
1 Elwood 1.07 µg/L
Over HA 8
B-
2 Syracuse 0.12 µg/L
No 3
B-

Frequently asked questions about 1,4-dioxane in Utah

Is 1,4-dioxane in Utah tap water dangerous?

1,4-Dioxane is classified by the EPA as a likely human carcinogen. There is no federal MCL, but the EPA health advisory is 0.35 µg/L. 1 cities in Utah exceed the health advisory level. Long-term exposure is associated with liver and kidney damage.

How can I remove 1,4-dioxane from my drinking water?

1,4-Dioxane is one of the most difficult contaminants to remove from water. Standard carbon filters and conventional water treatment are generally ineffective. Advanced oxidation processes (AOP) used by water utilities are the most reliable. At the household level, some high-end reverse osmosis systems may provide partial reduction, but no standard point-of-use filter is certified for 1,4-dioxane removal.

Where does 1,4-dioxane come from in Utah water?

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic industrial chemical primarily used as a solvent stabilizer in chlorinated solvent degreasing operations. It enters water from industrial discharge, contaminated groundwater plumes near manufacturing sites, landfills, and military bases. It is highly water-soluble, does not bind to soil, and resists natural biodegradation, making it a persistent groundwater contaminant.