1,4-Dichlorobenzene in New York Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of 1,4-Dichlorobenzene in the Water Supply of New York Florida Homes

1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a synthetic chemical that can sometimes be found in drinking water and becomes a worry when concentrations are elevated. Also called p-Dichlorobenzene, many homeowners recognize it by a sharp, mothball-like smell more than by its name. Because it can affect taste and odor, families in New York often choose to address it where water first enters the house. Treating water at the point of entry helps reduce exposure during everyday uses like showering, laundry, and dishwashing.

This chemical has been used in products such as deodorants and moth repellents and can enter water supplies through industrial handling, disposal, or contaminated runoff and groundwater. It can persist because it doesn’t break down quickly under normal conditions, so even clear water may give off an unpleasant odor in hot showers or when several taps run at once. If you notice that mothball-like smell at home in New York, testing your water will determine whether 1,4-Dichlorobenzene (p-Dichlorobenzene) is present and point to the right treatment.