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2-Methoxyethanol in Connecticut Drinking Water

2-Methoxyethanol has been detected in water systems serving 3,383 ZIP codes nationwide. Here is what you need to know about 2-methoxyethanol in your drinking water and how it may affect your household.

What Is 2-Methoxyethanol?

2-Methoxyethanol is an organic solvent used in industrial coatings, dyes, adhesives, and cleaning products. It enters water through industrial discharge and contaminated site leachate. No EPA maximum contaminant level has been established. It is a reproductive toxicant that can cause birth defects, and chronic exposure is associated with blood disorders including anemia and reduced white blood cell counts.

Is 2-Methoxyethanol in Your Water?

Enter your Connecticut ZIP code to find out if 2-methoxyethanol is in your local water — and see personalized health risks for your household.

Check Your ZIP Code

Health Effects of 2-Methoxyethanol

Reproductive toxicity, birth defects, blood disorders

Where Does 2-Methoxyethanol Come From?

Industrial solvent, contaminated water

How to Reduce 2-Methoxyethanol 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 glycol ether solvents.
  2. 2A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 provides additional removal of 2-methoxyethanol and related solvent compounds.
  3. 3For whole-house treatment near industrial sites, use a granular activated carbon system at the point of entry to reduce solvent exposure from all water uses.
  4. 4Test water through a certified laboratory if located near industrial facilities that use solvents, and replace carbon media on the manufacturer's recommended schedule.

Who Is Most Vulnerable to 2-Methoxyethanol?

The safe level of 2-methoxyethanol 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 2-Methoxyethanol in my tap water?
2-Methoxyethanol 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 2-Methoxyethanol 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 2-Methoxyethanol 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 glycol ether solvents. A reverse osmosis system certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 provides additional removal of 2-methoxyethanol and related 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