trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene in Everglades Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene in the Water Supply of Everglades Florida Homes

Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can enter drinking water when industrial solvents or degreasing chemicals reach groundwater. Because it easily evaporates, you might notice a chemical-like smell when running hot water, especially during showers or when filling a sink. Even without an odor, this contaminant is assessed at low concentrations, so many Everglades homeowners choose to address it proactively. A whole-house filter protects all the water in your house—helpful in coastal, flood-prone areas like the Everglades where indoor air transfer and broader exposure are concerns.

Most homeowners in the Everglades learn about trans-1,2-dichloroethylene from water testing or utility notices rather than by sight or taste. This VOC dissolves into the water and won’t be removed by simple sediment screens or standard cartridge filters meant for rust and scale—issues common with South Florida’s hard, mineral-rich water. Because dissolved VOCs can off-gas into indoor air during hot-water use, treating a single faucet is often insufficient; installing treatment at the main line gives more consistent protection for drinking, cooking, bathing, and laundry throughout an Everglades home.