1,4-Dichlorobenzene in Osteen Florida Water

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

1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a synthetic chemical that can appear in drinking water and become a worry when concentrations are higher than desired. Also called p-Dichlorobenzene, many homeowners recognize it more by a sharp, mothball-like odor than its chemical name. Because it can affect smell and water quality, families here in Osteen and elsewhere in Volusia County often choose to treat water where it enters the house so bathing, laundry and dishwashing are all protected.

This compound has been used in products such as moth repellents and some deodorizing products, and it can reach water through improper disposal, industrial sources, or contaminated runoff and groundwater. It tends to persist under normal conditions, so a clear-looking tap does not guarantee the odor won’t appear in hot showers or when multiple faucets are running. In Osteen — where many homes draw from the Floridan aquifer and water is often mineral-rich — testing is the best way to know if p-Dichlorobenzene is present and to choose the right treatment.