1-Methylnaphthalene in Christmas Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of 1-Methylnaphthalene in the Water Supply of Christmas Florida Homes

1-Methylnaphthalene is an organic compound that can appear in water when petroleum-related materials or combustion byproducts enter the environment. In Christmas, Florida, homeowners sometimes first notice a chemical or fuel-like smell or an off taste in drinking water and ice — signs that testing may be warranted. Because the compound can be detectable by odor at low levels, the surest way to know whether 1-Methylnaphthalene or its other names are present in your supply is to have your water tested.

Even clear water can carry trace organics you wouldn’t expect in a household supply, and 1-Methylnaphthalene is one of those hydrophobic compounds that prefers surfaces and oils over staying dissolved. For residents of Christmas — many of whom rely on private wells in this part of Orange County where hard water and iron or sulfur odors can occur depending on the aquifer — that behavior can mean odor or taste problems throughout the house. Treating the whole house helps make sure bathing, laundry and cooking water are addressed, not just water at a single tap.