Are VOCs in drinking-water supply wells more likely to occur in one area of the Nation than another area?
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with multiple uses and/or widespread sources, for example VOCs within the solvent, trihalomethane (THM), and gasoline hydrocarbon groups, were detected throughout the Nation. Gasoline oxygenates were detected most frequently in samples in the New England and Mid-Atlantic States. Fumigants primarily occurred in the Central Valley of California and in New Jersey, Arizona, and Washington. VOCs used in organic synthesis were seldom detected. National maps showing the occurrence of VOCs are available online as part of the supplementary information released in s upport of USGS Circular 1292.
