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1-Butanol in Connecticut Drinking Water

1-Butanol has been detected in water systems serving 3,383 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about 1-butanol in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.

What Is 1-Butanol?

1-Butanol is an industrial alcohol solvent used in manufacturing paints, coatings, adhesives, and synthetic resins. It enters water through industrial discharge and contaminated site migration. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established. Exposure can cause central nervous system depression, and contact with concentrated solutions causes eye and respiratory tract irritation. It is relatively volatile and can off-gas from water.

Is 1-Butanol in Your Water?

Enter your Connecticut ZIP code to find out if 1-butanol is in your local water — and see personalized health risks for your household.

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of 1-Butanol

CNS depression, eye and respiratory irritation

Where Does 1-Butanol Come From?

Industrial solvent, contaminated water

How to Reduce 1-Butanol in Your Water

  1. 1Install a point-of-use activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for volatile organic compound reduction; activated carbon adsorbs alcohol solvents.
  2. 2A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 provides additional removal of 1-butanol and related industrial solvent compounds.
  3. 3For whole-house treatment, use a granular activated carbon system at the point of entry to reduce 1-butanol in all household water including shower water where volatilization occurs.
  4. 4Test water through a certified laboratory if located near paint manufacturing, coating production, or other industrial solvent users.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to 1-Butanol?

The safe level of 1-butanol varies significantly depending on who is drinking the water. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for each member of your household:

Infants (under 1 year)
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Children (4-11 years)
Pregnant women
Elderly (65+)
Adults
Dogs
Cats

A contaminant level that is safe for an adult may exceed guidelines for an infant by 4-8x or more. Check your ZIP code to see personalized results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 1-Butanol in my tap water?
1-Butanol has been detected in water systems across 3,383 ZIP codes. Whether it's in your specific water depends on your local water system. Enter your CT ZIP code at CheckYourTap.com for a free, instant report.
What level of 1-Butanol is safe?
The safe level depends on who is drinking the water. Health guidelines vary by source, but infants, pregnant women, and pets may need much lower levels. CheckYourTap calculates adjusted safe levels for 11 different household member types.
How do I remove 1-Butanol from my water?
Install a point-of-use activated carbon block filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for volatile organic compound reduction; activated carbon adsorbs alcohol solvents. A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 provides additional removal of 1-butanol and related industrial solvent compounds. For a personalized consultation, contact Valiant Energy Solutions at (475) 557-5107.

Related Contaminants

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About This Report

This water quality report is compiled from public records filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state health departments, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Contaminant levels are evaluated against EPA federal standards and health-based guidelines from leading environmental and public health organizations. CheckYourTap is a service of Valiant Energy Solutions, a Connecticut water quality and energy services company established in 1930.

EPA SDWISUSGS NWISEWG Tap Water DatabaseCA OEHHA Public Health GoalsWHO Drinking Water Guidelines

Last updated March 2026