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Data Series 550

Prepared in cooperation with the
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department

Occurrence of Organic Compounds in Source and Finished Samples from Seven Drinking-Water Treatment Facilities in Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2008

By Adam L. Foster and Brian G. Katz

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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, conducted a reconnaissance study in 2008 to determine the occurrence of 228 organic compounds in raw, source (untreated) and finished (treated) drinking water at seven municipal water-treatment facilities in Miami-Dade County. Results of this sampling study showed that 25 (about 11 percent) of the 228 organic compounds were detected in at least one source water sample and 22 (about 10 percent) were detected in at least one finished water sample. The concentrations of organic compounds in source water samples were less than or equal to 0.2 µg/L (micrograms per liter). The concentrations of organic compounds in finished water samples were generally less than or equal to 0.5 µg/L, with the exception of bromoform (a possible disinfection byproduct) at estimated concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 2.8 µg/L and diethyl phthalate (a plasticizer compound) at 2 µg/L.

First posted December 15, 2010

For additional information contact:
Adam L. Foster
U.S. Geological Survey
Florida Water Science Center
3110 SW 9th Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-377-5901

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Suggested citation:

Foster, A.L., and Katz, B.G., 2010, Occurrence of organic compounds in source and finished samples from seven drinking-water treatment facilities in Miami-Dade County, Florida, 2008: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 550, 22 p.



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and Scope

Study Area and Site Selection

Sample Collection and Analyses

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Organic Compounds in Water Samples

Organic Compounds in Source (Untreated) Water

Organic Compounds in Finished (Treated) Water

Summary

References Cited