TECHNICAL REPORT
Survey off Community Woter Supplies
for the Occurrence of 2,4,5-T and Related Herbicides
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Water Programs
Division of Water Hygiene
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16579
TECHN I CAL REPORT
Survey of Community Water Supplies
for the Occurrence of 2,4,5-T and Related Herbicides
Richard J. Hammerstrom
Frederick C. Kopfler
Alan A. Stevens
Eric A. Robertson3 Jr.
GULF COAST WATER HYGIENE LABORATORY
Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Water Programs
Division of Water Hygiene
Washington, D.C. 20242
1971
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Organization and Name Changes
On December 2, 1970 the Bureau of Water Hygiene of the
U.S. Public Health Service was transferred to the newly
established Environmental Protection Agency and became the
Division of Water Hygiene of the Office of Water Quality.
However, since the survey of community water supplies for
the occurrence of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides on which
this report is based was accomplished prior to the above
date, the former names of the Bureau of Water Hygiene and
its organizational components in the Public Health Service
appear throughout this report.
Disclaimer Clause
Reference in this report to commercial products does
not constitute endorsement by the Environmental Protection
Agency.
^^
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CONTENTS
Page
Summary and Conclusions 1
Introduction 3
Field Activities and Sampling Procedures 6
Laboratory Procedures 12
Results and Analysis of Data 14
Acknowledgments 25
Bibliography and Notes 27
Appendix 29
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
For a number of reasons, questions have been raised recently
as to whether the herbicide 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid
(2,4,5-T) is getting into drinking water supplies where it may
constitute a potential hazard to those who consume the water.
The report on 2,4,5-T of the Panel on Herbicides of the
President's Science Advisory Committee focused attention relative
to the occurrence of this herbicide in drinking water supplies.
In response to a request of the Surgeon General of the Public
Health Service in August 1970, the Bureau of Water Hygiene, in
cooperation with State health departments and other concerned
groups, conducted a survey of 58 community water supplies to
determine the occurrence and levels of concentration of 2,4,5-T
and related chlorophenoxy acid compounds, 2,4-dichlorophenoxy-
acetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy) propionic
acid (2,4,5-TP), commonly known as Silvex, in raw and finished
waters.
The survey, conducted during September through November 1970,
was based on a one-time sampling of the community water supplies
representing a widespread geographical distribution over the
United States. Companion raw and finished water samples or
either raw or finished water samples were collected from water
supplies located in Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Puerto Rico.
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Laboratory analyses were performed by electron capture gas
chromatography of the methyl esters of 2,4,5-T and related
chlorophenoxy acid herbicides. In some instances, where quanti-
fiable amounts of a herbicide were detected, the identity of
the herbicides was confirmed by microcoulometry. The quantitative
reporting level for 2,4,5-T and related herbicides for the
analytical method used was 0.5 parts per billion (ppb).
The herbicide 2,4,5-T was detected in 11 or 19.0 percent of
the 58 community water supplies examined. However, the herbicide
was present in trace amounts only, ranging from less than 0.5 ppb
to 0.57 ppb in the raw and/or finished waters.
The herbicide 2,4-D was detected in 18 or 31.0 percent of
the 58 community water supplies examined. As with 2,4,5-T, the
herbicide 2,4-D was also found in trace amounts only, ranging
from less than 0.5 ppb to 3.44 ppb in the raw and/or finished
waters.
The herbicide 2,4,5-TP was detected in only 4 or 6.9 percent
of the community water supplies examined. The concentration of
2,4,5-TP in these four community water supplies was found to be
less than 0.5 ppb.
The levels of concentration at which 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, and
2,4,5-TP were detected in these community water supplies are
extremely low when compared to the present Public Health Service
guideline of a maximum permissible concentration of 0.1 mg/liter
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(ppm) for either the individual herbicide or the sum of any
combination of these herbicides. The trace amounts of these
herbicides as found in this survey may be interpreted as
being relatively insignificant from a public health standpoint.
In view of the conditions under which this survey was conducted,
however, the lack of occurrence of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides
or their detection in only trace amounts in these community water
supplies should be considered as a preliminary finding.
If widespread use of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides is to be
continued in the United States, a comprehensive study, taking into
consideration all the major factors influencing the occurrence and
detection of these herbicides in drinking water supplies, as men-
t
tioned in the body of this report, should be conducted. Such a
study would be needed to determine the presence of these herbicides
in community drinking water supplies during and immediately following
their use on watershed and water supply source areas and to evaluate
the public health- significance of the findings.
INTRODUCTION
The herbicide 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)
has been widely used in the United States since about 1950 for
the control of weeds in crop lands, for the eradication or con-
trol of aquatic weeds in ponds, streams, and other bodies of
water, and for the control of brushy species of plants along
railroad and power line rights-of-way and in managed forested
areas. Until recently there has been relatively little concern
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over the potential hazards from the use of 2,4,5-T and the
exposure of animals and man to 2,4,5-T residues on food crops
and in the water, air, and soil environments when the material
is used according to directions. The report on 2,4,5-T of the
Panel on Herbicides of the President's Science Advisory Committee
pointed out that use of this herbicide at the rates of recommended
application results in measurable levels of residues in soils,
water, air, plants, and animals, which persist for relatively
short periods of time following application.
During the past year there has been sharply increased con-
cern over the potential hazards to human health from the use
of 2,4,5-T and related chlorophenoxy acid compounds, including
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2-(2,4,5-trichloro-
phenoxy) propionic acid (2,4,5-TP), commonly known as Silvex.
This concern has been generated by (1) the findings in recent
research studies that 2,4,5-T has markedly increased the inci-
dence of abnormal fetuses in laboratory mice and rats, (2) the
alleged potential teratogenic and other harmful effects to
human health from the use of 2,4,5-T and related compounds in
Viet Nam and the United States, and (3) the results of studies
on the persistence of 2,4,5-T in the soil and water environments
following its application.
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The growing national attention to the use of 2,4,5-T has
brought up the question as to whether this herbicide is getting
into drinking water supplies where it may constitute a potential
hazard to those who consume the water. There is very little
information available at the present time to provide a basis
for answering this question because monitoring of public water
supplies in the United States for 2,4,5-T and related herbicides
has been limited. It is generally recognized, however, that
the contamination of drinking water supplies represents a
potentially significant route for exposure of human beings to
this material especially in those areas of the country where
there is direct application of the herbicide to water for weed
control and to a lesser extent where there is runoff from forested
areas treated for brush control.
This survey was carried out during August through November
1970 at the request of the Surgeon General of the U.S. Public
Health Service. It represented a considerably reduced approach
to an earlier planned and more comprehensive study of the oc-
currence of 2,4,5-T in public drinking water supplies. The
purpose of the survey was to answer the question "Is 2,4,5-T
getting into surface and ground waters that serve as sources of
public water supplies and into drinking water in those geographical
areas of the United States where the herbicide is currently being
used or has recently been used?" A secondary purpose of the survey
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was to determine the effect of the currently used water treatment
practice in removing or reducing the concentration of the 2,4,5-T
if it was found in the water supply source.
The current version of the Public Health Service Drinking
Water Standards (PHS Publication No. 956, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, 1962) does not contain standards for pesticides
and herbicides. However, in the evaluation of public drinking
water supplies, the present Public Health Service guideline is a
maximum permissible concentration of 0.1 mg/liter (ppm) for either
2,4,5-T or the sum of any combination of 2,4,5-T and other related
compounds. It was planned that the results of this survey would
be assessed in relation to this guideline in the future considera-
tion of an ultimate standard for 2,4,5-T and other related herbicides
in drinking water.
FIELD ACTIVITIES AND SAMPLING PROCEDURES
The survey was planned so as to include the sampling of
selected public water supplies influenced by watershed or
drainage basin areas on which 2,4,5-T had been used or was
expected to be used in 1970. The Public Health Service Regional
Water Hygiene Representatives were responsible for obtaining
information on the use of 2,4,5-T on such areas and for identify-
ing the public water supplies concerned. It was initially planned
that the necessary information would be obtained from State
Sanitary Engineers, Federal and State agriculture and forestry
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agencies, and personnel of railroad and power companies. The
identification of areas where 2,4,5-T had been, or was currently
being used proved to be a difficult task because such information
was not generally available from a single source. Representatives
of power companies turned out to be especially good sources of
information on the use of 2,4,5-T for brush control on power
line rights-of-way.
It was originally hoped that two public drinking water
supplies in each of the nine Public Health Service regions
could be evaluated in the earlier planned study. However,
based on contacts by all Regional Water Hygiene Representatives
with the States, this was not possible because of generally non-
use of 2,4,5-T on watershed areas or lack of information on
projected use of the herbicide during 1970. Plans were completed
in the earlier planned study for including approximately 15
selected public water supplies representing a widespread geo-
graphical distribution.
The initiation in August of the requested survey of community
water supplies for the occurrence, of 2,4,5-T was late with respect
to the general seasonal use of this herbicide especially for con-
trol of brushy species of plants. Such operational use of
2,4,5-T is generally begun in March or April and carried out
through the early summer months. In addition, the suspension of
registration of liquid formulations of 2,4,5-T for use on lakes,
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ponds, and water courses apparently curtailed the operational
use of the herbicide for aquatic weed control during the summer
of 1970. Consequently, difficulty was encountered by the
Regional Water Hygiene Representatives in locating watershed
or drainage basin areas on which 2,4,5-T was currently being
used and in identifying affected community water supplies.
Primarily as a matter of expediency in getting the survey
under way, field sampling was initiated in August of the ap-
proximately 15 public water supplies selected for inclusion in
the earlier planned study. The schedule for sampling provided
for the collection of one set of companion raw and finished
water samples for 2,4,5-T analyses from each community water
supply in August and another set of such samples in September.
If the water samples collected in August from a particular
community water supply were negative for 2,4,5-T, the Regional
Water Hygiene Representative tried to locate an alternate com-
munity water supply for sampling in September thus extending
the survey to a larger number of community water supplies and
providing a broader geographical coverage. For a number of
reasons, it became necessary to extend some of the field sampling
activities into October and November.
The numbers of community water supplies included in the
survey and selected on the basis of information relating to
actual or anticipated operational use of 2,4,5-T on the watershed
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or drainage basin areas influencing the water supplies are shown
below according to PHS Region, as follows:
PHS Region No. of Community
Water Supplies
I 3
II 1
III 4
IV 5
VI 15
IX 1
X 2
Total 31
The opportunity was taken to also include in the survey
public drinking water supplies which were under special study for
other purposes by the Division of Technical Operations of the
Bureau of Water Hygiene. Seven recreational area water supplies
in Indiana and Ohio were included from a study of Corps of
Engineer reservoir developments which serve as water sources
for these supplies. Eighteen community water supplies in
Tennessee were included from an evaluation of the State of
Tennessee Water Supply Program. Samples of finished water that
were collected in these special studies for analyses for chlori-
nated insecticides were also analyzed for 2,4,5-T and related
chlorophenoxy acid herbicides. Although these twenty-five water
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supplies were not selected for the survey on the basis of informa-
tion relating to the use of 2,4,5-T, the results of the analyses
do provide useful data on the occurrence of 2,4,5-T and related
herbicides in public drinking water supplies.
Also included in the survey were two community water supplies
in Puerto Rico. The herbicide 2,4-D had been used periodically
throughout the summer directly on the water sources of these two
water supplies for the control of water hyacinths. Inclusion of
these water supplies in the survey provided an opportunity to
determine the extent to which the herbicide could be detected in
the water supply systems following periods of direct application
to the water sources.
The total numbers of community water supplies included in
the survey without regard to the specific basis for inclusion
and according to PHS Region are as follows:
PHS Region No. of Community
Water Supplies
I 3
II 3
III 4
IV 23
V 7
VI 15
IX 1
X 2_
Total 58
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The Regional Water Hygiene Representatives were responsible
for making arrangements for the collection of water samples.
These arrangements were generally made with representatives of
the State Health Departments concerned or through such representa-
tives directly with personnel associated with the community water
supplies to be sampled. The field sampling activities were
carried out by PHS Regional Office personnel, State Health Depart-
ment representatives, or personnel of the local water works in
accordance with the specific arrangements made.
The collection of the set of companion raw and finished
water samples was accomplished on a grab sampling basis following
the sampling schedule previously described. In general, both raw
and finished water samples were collected at the water treatment
facility with the former sample being collected from the raw
water intake and the latter sample being collected from the clear
well or from the treated water pumped into the distribution system.
No effort was made to estimate time of water travel through the
treatment facility to provide for sampling of the same general
water mass.
Water samples were collected in 1-gallon glass jugs which
were provided in styrofoam shipping containers by the Gulf Coast
Water Hygiene Laboratory. Each glass jug was fitted with a teflon-
lined screw cap. All water sample jugs had been previously treated
by washing with a detergent followed by drying and rinsing with
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hexane. The filled water sample jugs were returned to the
Laboratory in the styrofoam shipping containers generally
by air mail parcel post.
LABORATORY PROCEDURES
Analyses of all water samples for 2,4,5-T and related
chlorophenoxy acid herbicides were performed by the Gulf Coast
Water Hygiene Laboratory. Each water sample was extracted
during the day of its arrival; in the few instances when this
was not possible, the sample was kept at 1.1 C until extracted.
In accordance with the plan for analyses of companion raw
and finished water samples collected from a'Community water
supply, analysis was performed initially on the raw water
sample. If no chlorophenoxy acids were found in the raw water
sample, the companion finished water sample was generally not
analyzed. A herbicides analysis was performed on each raw or
finished water sample that was the only sample collected from
a water supply.
The procedure followed for the extraction and saponification
of 2,4,5-T, '2,4-D, and 2,4,5-TP was that of Goerlitz and Lamar .
In this procedure the sample was acidified to pH 2.0 and extracted
with ethyl ether. The extract was then saponified to ensure the
^Goerlitz, Donald F. and William L. Lamar. 1967. Determination
of Phenoxy Acid Herbicides in Water by Electron-Capture and
Microcoulometric Gas Chromatography. U.S. Geological Survey
Water-Supply Paper 1817-C.
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recovery of the herbicides in the free acid form. The recovery
of the free acids was followed by conversion to their respective
methyl esters with methanol and sulfuric acid according to
(2)
Rogozinski . All solvents used were those supplied by the
manufacturers (Mallinckrodt or Burdick and Jackson) as suitable
for pesticide residue analysis. Reagent grade methanol was dis-
tilled in glass prior to its use in the esterification procedure.
The herbicides were identified and quantitated by dual
column gas-liquid chromatography of their methyl esters. The
instrument used was a Micro-Tek Model 2000 MF equipped with
electron capture detectors. Glass, U-shaped columns 6 feet long
x 1/4 inch OD were packed with 60/80 mesh Gas Chrom Q coated
with either 3% DC-200, a combination of 2% SE-30 and 3% OV-210,
or a combination of 1.5% OV-17 and 1.9% QF-1. The carrier gas
was nitrogen, and the oven temperature was 156 C. In some
instances, as noted in the Appendix, where quantifiable amounts
of a herbicide were detected, the identity of the herbicides was
confirmed by microcoulometry. The quantitative reporting level
for 2,4,5-T and related herbicides for the analytical method used
was 0.5 parts per billion (ppb).
Standard samples of the herbicides were obtained from the
Food and Drug Administration, Pesticide Repository, Perrine
(2)
^ 'Rogozinski, M. 1964. A Rapid Quantitative Esterification
Technique for Carboxylic Acids. J. Gas Chromatog. 2:136;
H. P. Burchfield and D. E. Johnson. 1965. Guide to the
Analysis of Pesticide Residues, Vol. 1, U.S. Dept. of HEW,
Washington, D.C.
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Primate Research Branch, Perrine, Florida. The efficiency of
the extraction procedure used was determined by analyzing
water samples previously spiked with known amounts of these
standard acids. It was found that the recovery of 2,4,5-T and
2,4-D was 90% while that of 2,4,5-TP was 88.3%. Quantitation
was accomplished by comparing the height of unknown peaks with
the height of peaks produced by methylation products of known
amounts of the standard acids. Values reported were corrected
for the loss incurred during the extraction procedure.
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
The results of analyses of community water supplies for the
occurrence and levels of concentration of 2,4,5-T and the related
chlorophenoxy acid compounds 2,4-D and 2,4,5-TP are presented in
Tables 1-5. A tabulation of the analytical results on all com-
munity water supply samples examined in the survey is included
in the Appendix of this report.
As shown in Table 1, the herbicide 2,4,5-T was detected in
11 or 19.0 percent of the total of 58 community water supplies
examined without regard for the basis of their inclusion in the
survey. The herbicide was detected in trace amounts only with
the range of 2,4,5-T concentration in the raw and/or finished
water samples being <0.5 to 0.57 ppb.
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Table 1
Occurrence of 2,4,5-T in Community Water Supplies
Description of
Group of
Water Supplies
Selected on Basis of
Information on Use of
2,4,5-T and/or Related
Herbicides
Included in Evaluation
of Tennessee Water
Supply Program
Included in Study of
Corps of Engineer
Reservoir Developments
in Indiana and Ohio
All Community Water
Supplies Included
in Survey
No. of
Water
Supplies
Examined
33
18
7
58
Water Supplies
in Which 2,4,5-T
Detected
No.
6
3
2
11
Percent
18.2
16.7
28.6
19.0
2,4,5-T Concentration
in ppb in Raw and/or
Finished Water
Low
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
Median
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
High
0.57
<0.5
<0.5
0.57
Water Supplies
in Which 2,4,5-T
Not Detected
No.
27
15
5
47
Percent
81.8
83.3
71.4
81.0
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The group of 33 community water supplies selected on the
basis of available information on use of 2,4,5-rT and/or related
herbicides on the watershed or water source areas were included
in the survey to optimize the likelihood of detecting the
herbicide in raw and finished water samples. For several of
these water supplies, the PHS Regional personnel were able to
verify the use of 2,4,5-T and other herbicides on the watershed
or water source areas during the 1970 season. For the majority
of these water supplies, however, actual vertification relative
to such use of 2,4,5-T and other herbicides was not possible
under the conditions of the survey. The herbicide 2,4,5-T was
detected in trace amounts in 6 or 18.2 percent of the 33 water
supplies in this group.
The groups of 18 Tennessee water supplies and of 7 Indiana
and Ohio water supplies were included in the survey without
regard to any information on the use of 2,4,5-T and related
herbicides on the watershed or water source areas. The herbicide
2,4,5-T was detected in trace amounts in 16.7 and 28.6 percent,
respectively, of the water supplies in these two groups.
It is interesting to note from the data in Table 1 that there
is relatively little difference in the percentages of the water
supplies in which 2,4,5-T was detected among the three groups of
water supplies included in the survey. Considering the conditions
of the survey and the relatively small number of water supplies
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included in the three groups, the percentages would have little
statistical significance. However, these data do indicate that
traces of 2,4,5-T are getting into the water environment and can
be detected in community water supplies.
Table 2 shows the distribution of the community water supplies
examined by the groups and total number included in the study
according to the 2,4,5-T concentrations found in the raw and/or
finished water samples. These data clearly show the relatively
high number of water supplies in which 2,4,5-T was not detected.
These data also point up the very low concentrations of 2,4,5-T in
those water supplies in which the herbicide was detected. Con-
sidering all of the water supplies, 47 of the total of 58 showed
no 2,4,5-T. In 10 of the water supplies 2,4,5-T was detected in
concentrations less than 0.5 ppb, and in 1 water supply the herbicide
was found in the range of 0.5-1.0 ppb (0.57 ppb).
It was hoped that the survey would provide information con-
cerning the effectiveness of currently used water treatment
practices in removing or reducing the concentration of 2,4,5-T if
it was present in the raw water source. However, the conditions
under which the survey was carried out and the very small concen-
trations of 2,4,5-T encountered in the raw water samples precluded
the securing of definitive information in this area of inquiry.
Companion raw and finished water samples were collected only
from 22 of the 33 community water supplies included in the survey
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Table 2
Distribution of Community Water Supplies According to
2,4,5-T Concentrations Found in Raw and/or Finished Waters
Description of
Group of
Water Supplies
Selected on Basis of
Information on Use of
2,4,5-T and /or Related
Herbicides
Included in Evaluation
of Tennessee Water
Supply Program
Included in Study of
Corps of Engineer
Reservoir Developments in
Indiana and Ohio
All Community Water
Supplies Included in
Survey
2,4,5-T Concentration (ppb)
•k
27
15
5
47
<0.5
5
3
2
10
0.5-1.0
1
0
0
1
Totals
33
18
7
58 .
Not Detected
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on the basis of information on the use of 2,4,5-T and related
herbicides on watershed or water source areas. In the six
water supplies in this group in which a trace of 2,4,5-T was
detected in the raw water sample, a trace of the herbicide was
also found in the companion finished water sample. This
interesting relationship is shown in Table 3 and indicates that
the treatment used in the case of these six water supplies did
not completely remove the trace amounts of 2,4,5-T from the raw
water. No information was obtained regarding the treatment used
on these six water supplies.
As shown in Table 4, the herbicide 2,4-D was detected in
18 or 31.0 percent of the total of 58 community water supplies
examined without regard for the basis of their inclusion in the
survey. The herbicide was detected in trace amounts only with
the range of 2,4-D concentration in the raw and/or finished water
samples being <0.5 to 3.44 ppb. As can be noted from the data in
the Appendix, the 2,4-D concentration was <0.5 ppb in 10 of the
18 water supplies in which the herbicide was detected in raw
and/or finished waters.
The herbicide 2,4-D was detected in a slightly greater
percentage of water supplies than 2,4,5-T. In several instances,
higher concentrations of 2,4-D were found. As in the case with
2,4,5-T, the results of the survey indicate that 2,4-D is getting
into the water environment and can be detected in trace amounts in
community water supplies.
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Table 3
Relationship of 2,4,5-T in Raw and
Finished Waters of Six Water Supplies
2,
in
4,5-T (ppb)
Raw Water
Sample
0.57
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
2,4,5-T(ppb)
in Companion
Finished Water Sample
0.52
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
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The analytical results of water samples collected from two
community water supply systems in Puerto Rico are especially
interesting. The herbicide 2,4-D had been used intermittently
on the water supply sources for water hyacinth control during
the summer of 1970. Herbicide spraying operations had been
terminated approximately two to three weeks prior to the col-
lection of the water samples. Trace amounts of 2,4-D were
detected in three raw water samples and in two companion
finished water samples.
As shown in Table 5, the herbicide 2,4,5-TP was detected in
only 4 or 6.9 percent of the total of 58 community water supplies
examined in the survey. As can be noted from the data in the
Appendix, the 2,4,5-TP concentration was <0.5 ppb in all 4 of the
water supplies in which the herbicide was detected in raw and/or
finished waters. The analytical results of the survey indicate a
lesser occurrence of 2,4,5-TP than the other two herbicides in
community water supplies.
The occurrence and detection of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides
in the raw and/or finished waters of community water supplies
depends upon many factors among which are rate of herbicide ap-
plication, point or area of application in relation to the water
supply source, degradation of the herbicide in the soil and water
environment, rainfall and runoff, time of water sample collection
in relation to herbicide use, and water treatment practices utilized.
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Table 4
Occurrence of 2,4-D in Community Water Supplies
No. of
Water Supplies
Examined
58
Water Supplies
in Which 2,4-D
Detected
No.
18
Percent
31.0
2,4-D Concentration
in ppb in Raw and/or
Finished Water
Low
<0.5
Median
<0.5
High
3.44
Water Supplies
in Which 2,4-D
Not Detected
No.
40
Percent
69.0
Table 5
Occurrence of 2,4,5-TP in Community Water Supplies
No. of
Water Supplies
Examined
58
Water Supplies
in Which 2,4,5-TP
Detected
No.
4
Percent
6.9
2,4,5-TP Concentration
in ppb in Raw and /or
Finished Water
Low
<0.5
Median
<0.5
High
<0.5
Water Supplies
in Which 2,4,5-TP
Not Detected
No.
54
Percent
93.1
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Consideration of these and other factors was beyond the scope
of this survey which should be appropriately regarded as only
a one-time sampling of 58 community water supplies for the
detection of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides.
Analyses of the survey data show that this one-time sampling
of community water supplies which followed generally the period
of seasonal use of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides and the other
conditions of the survey indicate that only traces of these
herbicides could be detected in up to 19 to 31 percent of the
water supplies. These trace amounts of 2,4,5-T and related
herbicides, generally at concentrations less that 0.5 ppb and
ranging up to 0.57 ppb for 2,4,5-T and 3.44 ppb for 2,4-D in the
raw and/or finished waters, are extremely low when compared to
the present Public Health Service guideline of a maximum permissible
concentration of 0.1 mg/liter (ppm) for either the individual
herbicide or the sum of any combination of these herbicides.
On the other 'hand, the survey substantiated the unquestionable
fact that the use of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides on watershed
areas and water supply sources results in the occurrence of the
herbicides in the raw and/or finished waters of community water
supplies. The lack of occurrence or the detection of 2,4,5-T and
related herbicides at very low concentrations or in trace amounts
in community water supplies in this survey could possibly be the
source of a false sense of security from the public health standpoint.
-------
-24
The effectiveness of the suspension of registration of
liquid formulations of 2,4,5-T for use on water courses in
markedly reducing the amount of the herbicide reaching drinking
water sources has yet to be evaluated. However, if widespread
use of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides is to be continued in the
United States, a comprehensive study, taking into consideration
the factors mentioned above, is indicated to answer the questions
relative to the occurrence of these herbicides in community water
supplies and to more definitively evaluate the public health
significance.
-------
-25
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors acknowledge with appreciation the participation
of the following present and former Bureau of Water Hygiene
personnel in this project:
J. K. Channell 0. T. Love, Jr.
J. A. Cofraneesco E. L. MacLeman
J. A. DiCarlo F. D. Maddox
G. W. Ferguson D. W. Marshall
T. C. Ferris F. L. Nelson
J. F. Harrison F. W. Norris, Jr.
J. J. Healey C. W. Northington
G. D. Hutchinson B. H. Pringle
R. N. Jungclaus A. V. Soukup
R. D. Lee F. B. Taylor
E. C. Lippy J. A. Warren
T. L. Lothrop H. W. Wolf
The contributions of the above individuals varied and, as
a group, their participation included assisting in planning the
earlier proposed comprehensive study as well as this survey;
securing information on the operational use of 2,4,5-T and
related herbicides; making arrangements with representatives of
State and local agencies and water works organizations for the
collection of water samples, and in some instances, carrying out
water supply sampling activities in the field; and counseling on
the preparation of the final report.
The cooperation and assistance of representatives of State
health departments, power companies, and local water works
organizations who participated in this survey are gratefully
acknowledged. This group of personnel provided information on
-------
-26
the operational use of 2,4,5-T and related herbicides and either
arranged for or collected water samples and handled the shipment
of these samples to the Gulf Coast Water Hygiene Laboratory for
analyses. These activities are recognized as a significant
contribution to this survey and are deeply appreciated.
Special thanks are extended to Betty D. Moore and Anita L.
Ralph of the Gulf Coast Water Hygiene Laboratory for their
assistance in the handling of water sampling materials, reporting
of analytical results, and typing of the final report.
-------
-27
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND NOTES
Anon. Herbicides: Order on 2,4,5-T Issued at Unusually High
Level, Science 166, 977 (1969).
Anon. HEW, USDA Hold Firm; 2,4,5-T Ruling Postponed, Chem. &
Eng. News 48, Vol. 7, 11, February 16, 1970.
Anon. Washington Concentrates, Chem. & Eng. News 48, Vol. 9,
21, March 2, 1970.
Cochrane, D. R., J. D. Pope, Jr., H. P. Nicholson and G. W.
Bailey. The Persistence of Silvex in Water and Hydrosoil.
Water Resources Res. 3, 517 (1967).
Epstein, Samuel S. A Family Likeness. Environment, Vol. 12, No.
6, July/August, 1970.
Kearney, P. C., R. G. Nash and A. R. Insensee. Persistence of
Pesticide Residues in Soils. In M. W. Miller and G. G. Beng
[ed.] Chemical Fallout, C. Thomas, Springfield, 111. (1969).
Leigh, Gerald M. Degradation of Selected Chlorinated Hydro-
carbon Insecticides. J. Water Poll. Contr. Fed. 41, R450.
Loos, M. A. Phenoxyalkanoic Acids. In P. C. Kearney [ed.]
Degradation of Herbicides, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York.
(1969).
-------
-28
Montgomery, Marvin L. and Logan A. Norris. A Preliminary
Evaluation of the Hazards of 2,4,5-T in the Forest
Environment. Technical Paper No. 2832, Oregon Agricultural
Experiment Station, Corvallis. (1970).
Morton, Howard L., E. D. Robison and Robert E. Meyer.
Persistence of 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and Dicamba in Range Forage
Grasses. Weeds 153 268. (1967).
Oregon State University. Cut Stream Contamination With Careful
Chemical Brush Control. Oregon's Agricultural Progress3
Spring-Summer 1967 (Vol. 14, No. 1).
Oregon State University, Department of Agricultural Chemistry.
An Evaluation of 2,4,5-T in the Environment. December 1, 1969.
Panel on Herbicides of the President's Science Advisory Committee.
Report on 2,4,5-T. In draft, July 1970.
Tschirley, F. H. Defoliation in Vietnam. Science 163, 779 (1969).
Western Society of Weed Science. Research Progress Report,
pp. 22-26, 1969.
Some background information obtained from personal telephone
communications with PHS Regional Water Hygiene Representatives
and Arizona State Department of Health personnel.
-------
APPENDIX
Results of Analyses for 2,4,5-T and Related Herbicides of Raw
and Finished Water Samples Collected from Community Water Supplies
ECA-9
Serial No.
6306 (R)J
6278 (F)
6277 (R)
6276 (F)
6267 (R)
6268 (R)
6269 (R)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region I
Manchester Water Works
(High Service Pumping
Station)
Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester Water Works
(Low Service Pumping
Station)
Manchester, New Hampshire
Amherst Water Department
(Atkins Reservoir)
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst Water Department
(Pelham Supply)
Amherst, Massachusetts
Holyoke Water Department
(McLean Reservoir)
Holyoke, Massachusetts
Date of
Collection
8/31/70
8/31/70
11/03/70
11/03/70
11/03/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*3
*
*
*
*
2,4-D
*
*
0.7
0.9
0.7
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
4
NS5
NS
NS
2,4-D
*•«•
NS
NS
NS
2,4,5-TP
„,.-„, — —
NS
NS
NS
(R) - Raw Water Sample
(F) - Finished Water Sample
3
* - None Found
4
Analysis Not Performed
NS No Sample Collected
i
10
VO
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
6270 (R)
8441 (R)
8442 (R)
8443 (F)
8440 (F)
8450 (R)
8451 (R)
8453 (F)
8452 (F)
8448 (R)
8446 (R)
8447 (F)
8449 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region I (cont'd.)
Holyoke Water Department
(Ashley Reservoir)
Holyoke, Massachusetts
PHS Region II
Guaynabo Water System
(Lake Cidra)
Cidra, Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Water System
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Water System
(Lake Cidra)
Cidra, Puerto Rico
Guaynabo Water System
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
San Juan Water System
(Loiza Lake)
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan Water System
(Loiza Filter Plant &
Distribution System)
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date of
Collection
11/03/70
9/02/70
9/02/70
9/02/70
9/02/70
9/29/70
9/29/70
9/29/70
9/29/70
9/10/70
9/10/70
9/10/70
9/10/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
*
2,4-D
0.9
*
*
1.5
*
<0.5
<0.5
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
NS
*
*
*
2,4-D
NS
0.60
<0.5
*
*
<0.5
<0.5
2,4,5-TP
NS
*
*
*
*
*
I
CO
o
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
1215 (R)
1214 (F)
1222 (R)
9579 (R)
9581 (F)
9584 (R)
9583 (F)
9586 (R)
9585 (F)
9588 (R)
9589 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region II (cont'd)
U.S. Military Academy
Water Supply
West Point, New York
U.S. Military Academy
Water Supply
(Constitution Island Well)
West Point, New York
PHS Region III
Fairfax County Water
Authority
Town of Occoquan, Virginia
Appomattox River Water
Authority
Petersburg, Virginia
Charlottesville Water
Supply
Charlottesville, Virginia
Newport News Water Supply
Newport News, Virginia
Date of
Collection
10/13/70
10/19/70
8/25/70
8/25/70
9/15/70
9/21/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
0.57
<0.5
*
<0.5
2,4-D
*
*
<0.5
*
*
*
2,4,5-TP
*
*
<0.5
*
*
*
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
0.52
<0.5
*
<0.5
2,4-D
*
<0.5
*
*
*
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
I
u>
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
8437 (F)
8444 (R)
8445 (F)
8439 (R)
8438 (F)
8465 (R)
8464 (F)
8466 (F)
8462 (R)
8463 (F)
7206 (F)
7160 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region IV
Fayette County Water System
Peach tree City, Georgia
Macon Water Works
Macon, Georgia
Elberton Municipal Water
Works
Elberton, Georgia
Gainesville Water Works
Gainesville, Georgia
LaGrange Water Department
LaGrange, Georgia
Hallsdale-Powell Utility
District
Halls Crossroads, Tennessee
Nashville Metropolitan
Water & Sewerage Services
Nashville, Tennessee
Date of
Collection
8/31/70
9/08/70
8/25/70
10/15/70
10/15/70
10/15/70
8/12/70
7/21-8/3/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
NS
*
*
*
NS
<0.5
NS
NS
2,4-D
NS
<0.5
*
*
NS
<0.5
NS
NS-
2,4,5-TP
NS
*
*
*
NS
*
NS
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
*
<0.5
*
<0.5
2,4-D
<0.5
<0.5
*
*
*
*
*
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
*
<0.5
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
7175 (F)
7179 (F)
6696 (F)
7182 (F)
7202 (F)
7210 (F)
7163 (F)
7178 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region IV (cont'd.)
Smith Utility District
Carthage, Tennessee
Cookeville Water Department
Cookeville, Tennessee
City Water Company of
Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Sewanee Water Department
Sewanee, Tennessee
TAPOCO Inc. Water Supply
Calderwood, Tennessee
Knox Chapman Utility
District
S. Knoxville, Tennessee
Columbia Water System
Columbia, Tennessee
Camden Waterworks
Camden, Tennessee
Date of
Collection
8/4-17/70
8/4-17/70
8/7-20/70
8/7-20/70
8/12-25/70
8/14-27/70
Not Shown
7/24-8/7/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2,4-D
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2,4,5-TP
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
*
*
*
<0.5
*
2,4-D
*
*
*
*
*
it
*
*
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
I
U)
U)
-------
-ECA-9
Serial No.
7172 (F)
6787 (F)
2673 (F)
2677 (F)
7221 (F)
8129 (F)
2688 (F)
7349 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region IV (cont'd.)
Turnbull Utility District
Burns, Tennessee
Johnson City Water Works
Johnson City, Tennessee
East Kingsport Utility
District
Kingsport, Tennessee
Knoxville Utilities Board
Knoxville, Tennessee
Rogersville Water
Department
Rogersville, Tennessee
Pleasant Hill Utility
District
Pleasant Hill, Tennessee
Daisy-Soddy Utility
District
Soddy, Tennessee
Whitwell Water Works
Whitwell, Tennessee
Date of
Collection
7/26-8/8/70
8/31-9/13/70
9/1-14/70
9/2-15/70
9/23-10/7/70
9/23-10/6/70
9/28-10/11/70
9/29-10/13/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2,4-D
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2,4,5-TP
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
*
<0.5
*
*
*
2,4-D
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
-------
EGA- 9
Serial No.
6637 (F)
6641 (F)
6683 (F)
6658 (F)
6678 (F)
9029 (F)
9054 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region V
Indiana Dept. of Natural
Resources
Cagles Mill Reservoir,
Indiana
U.S. Corps of Engineers
Cagles Mill Reservoir,
Indiana
U.S. Corps of Engineers
Monroe Reservoir, Indiana
U.S. Corps of Engineers
Mansfield Reservoir,
Indiana
Boy Scouts of America
Monroe Reservoir, Indiana
Burr Oak State Park
Water Supply, Rt. 1,
Gloster County, Ohio
Dilon State Park Water
Supply
Nashport, Ohio
Date of
Collection
7/30/70
7/30/70
7/28/70
7/29/70
7/28/70
8/18/70
8/19/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2,4-D
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
2,4,5-TP
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
<0.5
*
*
*
*
<0.5
2,4-D
*
*
*
<0.5
*
*
<0.5
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
U)
V/l
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
6772 (R)
6773 (F)
9440 (R)
6770 (F)
8404 (R)
8403 (F)
8401 (R)
8402 (F)
9437 (R)
3675 (F)
7301 (R)
9438 (F)
8409 (F)
8410 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region VI
City of Franklin Water
Works
Franklin, Louisiana
Monroe Water Supply
Monroe, Louisiana
Natchitoches Water Supply
Natch! toches, Louisiana
City of Houma Water Supply
Houma, Louisiana
City of Gladewater Water
Supply
Gladewater, Texas
City of Austin Public
Water Supply
Austin, Texas
City of Beaumont Water
Department
Beaumont, Texas
City of Beaumont Water
Department
Loeb , Texas
Date of
Collection
8/31/70
9/02/70
9/30/70
10/28/70
8/24/70
8/27/70
9/24/70
9/24/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
<0.5
*
*
*
<0.5
*
NS
NS
2,4-D
<0.5
*
*
<0.5
<0.5
*
NS
NS
2,4,5-TP
<0.5
*
*
<0.5
*
*
NS
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
<0.5
*
*
<0.5
— —
*
*
2,4-D
<0.5
*
<0.5
*
— — —
*
*
2,4,5-TP
<0.5
*
<0.5
*
— — —
*
*
u>
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
8412 (R)
8411 (F)
8405 (R)
8408 (F)
8407 (R)
8406 (F)
9439 (R)
3674 (R)
6774 (R)
6775 (PT)6
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supply
PHS Region VI (cont'd.)
City of Corpus Chris ti
Water Works
Corpus Chris ti, Texas
Tulsa City Water Supply
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City Water Supply
(Lake Draper Treatment
Plant)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Weyhauser-Valliant Water
Supply
Valliant, Oklahoma
Eufala City Water Supply
Eufala, Oklahoma
Wynnewood Water Supply
Wynnewood, Oklahoma
City of Norman Water
Supply
Norman, Oklahoma
Date of
Collection
9/25/70
10/18/70
10/27/70
10/17/70
10/17/70
10/17/70
10/24/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
*
*
*
NS
2,4-D
*
0.97a
2.1a
1.4a
1.43
3.44a
NS
2,4,5-TP
*
*
A
*
*
*
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
NS
NS
NS
*
2,4-D
*
1.3a
<0.5
NS
NS
NS
<0.5
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
NS
NS
NS
*
(PT) - Partially Treated Water Sample
llerbicide identification confirmed by microcoulometry
-------
ECA-9
Serial No.
8866 (F)
8867 (F)
8426 (R)
8427 (F)
8429 (R)
8428 (F)
8851 (F)
PHS Region
Name and Location
of Water Supj>ly
PHS Region IX
City of Globe Water Supply
(Cutter Well #1)
Globe, Arizona
City of Globe Water Supply
(Pioneer Well #1)
Globe, Arizona
PHS Region X
Pacific City Water System
Pacific City, Oregon
Pacific City Water System
Pacific City, Oregon
City of Hoquiam Municipal
Water Supply
Hoquiam, Washington
Date of
Collection
10/14/70
10/14/70
9/04/70
9/29/70
9/03/70
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Raw Water Sample
2,4,5-T
NS
NS
*
*
NS
2,4-D
NS
NS
*
*
NS
2,4,5-TP
NS
NS
*
*
NS
Herbicide Concentration (ppb) in
Finished Water Sample
2,4,5-T
*
*
*
*
*
.2,4-D
*
*
*
*
*
2,4,5-TP
*
*
*
*
*
I
LO
oo
------- |