1,4-Dichlorobenzene in Piedmont Florida Water

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

1,4-Dichlorobenzene is a synthetic chemical that can sometimes be found in drinking water and becomes a concern when concentrations are high. Also called p-Dichlorobenzene, many people identify it by a sharp, mothball-like smell rather than the chemical name. Because it can affect both smell and perceived water quality, homeowners in Piedmont and across North Florida often choose to address it where water enters the house. Treating water at the point of entry helps reduce exposure during everyday uses like bathing, laundry, and dishwashing.

This chemical has been used in products such as deodorants and moth repellents and can reach water through industrial handling, disposal, or contaminated runoff and groundwater. It can persist in water because it doesn’t always break down quickly under normal conditions. Even if water looks clear, the distinctive odor can show up in hot showers or when several taps run at once. In Piedmont — where municipal and private well sources and moderate hardness vary by neighborhood — a local water test is the best way to confirm whether 1,4-Dichlorobenzene is present and to determine the right treatment.