Medford Water Commission - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

When returning to your home or business after a fire, there are items to consider to help safeguard your water quality.

During periods of long stagnation (such as a home being unoccupied for several days), water can pick up off-tastes, odors, or colors from sitting in the pipes inside your house, especially in older plumbing systems.

In addition, fire can cause damage to water system plumbing, and plastic pipe materials are particularly susceptible to fire damage. In spite of the Commission’s high-quality water supply, plastic pipe that is damaged by fire can release contamination in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as Benzene, into the water. These compounds can cause the water to have an odor similar to gasoline and may have adverse health impacts at elevated concentrations.

Residents who are concerned about possible benzene or other contamination should thoroughly flush all their pipes and in-building components (water heater, ice maker, etc.). Flushing is accomplished by undertaking the following:

If your home or business has plastic piping and has been damaged by fire, you may consider having your water tested by a state-certified laboratory. Neilson Research Corporation is the only certified independent water testing laboratory in our area; their phone number is (541) 770-5678. For a quick-reference guide to utility and customer responsibility with regards to testing and water piping components, see the graphic at the right or click here. If you are not a Medford Water Commission customer, contact your local jurisdictions to learn more about the pipe materials in your local water system.

Boiling will not remove these contaminants and should not be used as a barrier if you think you may be impacted with these issues.

For help, contact our Customer Service Department at (541) 774-2430 during normal business hours. Find the full Customer Guidance Regarding Water Quality in Buildings Located in Areas Damaged by Wildfire from Oregon Health Authority. There is also more information on VOCs from the EPA.

We have conducted water sampling for these contaminants in and around the neighborhood impacted by the Almeda Fire within our service area: Charlotte Ann Water District. See those sample results below. Individual lab results are available here.

Charlotte Ann Water District Special Sample Results
Sample Date	Sample Location	Sample Parameters	Testing Method	Results
9/9/2020	Hwy 99 @ South Stage Rd	Total Coliform Bacteria	A9223B	Not detected
9/9/2020	Hwy 99 @ South Stage Rd	E. coli	A9223B	Not detected
9/18/2020	Hwy 99 @ South Stage Rd	Benzene	524.2	Not detected
		Toluene	524.2	Not detected
		Ethylbenzene	524.2	Not detected
		Xylene	524.2	Not detected
10/16/2020	Hwy 99 @ South Stage Rd	Benzene	524.2	Not detected
		Toluene	524.2	Not detected
		Ethylbenzene	524.2	Not detected
		Xylene	524.2	Not detected
		Total Coliform Bacteria	A9223B	Not detected
		E. coli	A9223B	Not detected
10/16/2020	North Ridge Estates	Benzene	524.2	Not detected
		Toluene	524.2	Not detected
		Ethylbenzene	524.2	Not detected
		Xylene	524.2	Not detected
		Total Coliform Bacteria	A9223B	Not detected
		E. coli	A9223B	Not detected
10/16/2020	Carefree Mobile Village	Benzene	524.2	Not detected
		Toluene	524.2	Not detected
		Ethylbenzene	524.2	Not detected
		Xylene	524.2	Not detected
		Total Coliform Bacteria	A9223B	Not detected
		E. coli	A9223B	Not detected
10/16/2020	Hwy 99 @ Coleman Creek	Benzene	524.2	Not detected
		Toluene	524.2	Not detected
		Ethylbenzene	524.2	Not detected
		Xylene	524.2	Not detected
		Total Coliform Bacteria	A9223B	Not detected
		E. coli	A9223B	Not detected