1,4-Dichlorobenzene in South Apopka Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of 1,4-Dichlorobenzene in the Water Supply of South Apopka 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 people recognize it by a sharp, mothball-like smell more than by name. Because it can change water’s taste and odor, homeowners around South Apopka often choose to treat water where it enters the house so that showers, laundry and dishwashing aren’t affected by the issue.

This chemical has been used in products like moth repellents and some deodorizing items, and it can make its way into water supplies through industrial sources, improper disposal, or runoff that reaches groundwater. It tends to persist rather than breaking down quickly, so an unpleasant smell may still be noticeable during hot showers or when several taps run at once. In South Apopka—where many homes use groundwater-based municipal systems or private wells and hard water can add scale to plumbing—testing is the way to confirm if 1,4-dichlorobenzene is present and to determine the right treatment.