1,4-Dioxane - Water Treatment

Are you concerned about 1,4-dioxane in your drinking water? If so, you may be wondering if a Brita Filter can remove it. Depending on which product you are considering, Brita filters can remove as much as 55% of 1,4-dioxane from drinking water. In most cases, this isn't adequate to provide safe drinking water for you and your family because of 1,4-D's toxicity. Brita uses a combination of particle filtration and activated carbon adsorption to treat water, and activated carbon is only partially effective at treating 1,4-dioxane. If you have 1,4-dioxane in your drinking water, you should use bottled water or a filter with a special ion exchange resin rather than a Brita filter. Brita pitcher filters are very effective at removing taste and odor compounds from drinking water, and some of them can remove contaminants like lead. Unfortunately, they aren't suitable for removing 1,4-dioxane. In this blog, I discuss Brita filters and 1,4-dioxane. I also review other treatment methods, including another brand of pitcher filter, that can be used to effectively remove 1,4-dioxane from your drinking water. Continue reading to learn more about this important topic. What is 1,4-Dioxane 1,4-Dioxane is a volatile organic compound, classified as an ether. It is a colorless liquid with a faint sweet odor similar to that of diethyl ether. The compound is often called simply dioxane because the other dioxane isomers (1,2- and 1,3-) are rarely encountered. Dioxane is used as a solvent for a variety of practical applications as well as in the laboratory, and also as a stabilizer for the transport of chlorinated hydrocarbons in aluminum containers. In 1985, the global production capacity for dioxane was between 11,000 and 14,000 tons. In 1990, the total U.S. production volume of dioxane was between 5,250 and 9,150 tons. 1,4-dioxane is a volatile organic compound that is classified as an ether. It is a colorless liquid with a faint sweet odor. This contaminant is also known as 1,4-D or dioxane. 1,4-dioxane is used as a solvent for a variety of industrial applications as well as in the laboratory. It was widely used as a stabilizer for the transport of chlorinated hydrocarbons in aluminum containers. How does 1,4-dioxane get in my water Most of the 1,4-dioxane that ends up in our drinking water comes from leaks and spills at manufacturing plants. Once spilled, it contaminates groundwater, rivers, or streams nearby. This contaminant does not break down very easily, so it persists for a very long time. In addition to being a drinking water pollutant, it's also an unwanted impurity found in many personal care products like shampoo, body wash and cosmetics. Because manufacturers don't have to report discharges of 1,4-dioxane, tracing contamination to its source can be difficult. Health concerns with 1,4-dioxane 1,4-Dioxane is a probable carcinogen and has been discovered in groundwater at numerous locations throughout the United States. Exposure to high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane has been shown to cause health impacts such as: symptoms of nervous system depressionlesions on the stomach, lungs, liver and kidneys This contaminant is suspected of causing cancer. These concerns are based on: According to animal research, there is evidence of carcinogenicityWorkers who were exposed to 1,4-D have a greater risk of liver cancerThe EPA considers 1,4-dioxane as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure.”the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified 1,4-D as “possibly carcinogenic” to humans Drinking water standard for 1,4-dioxane The EPA has not established a maximum contaminant level set for 1,4-dioxane in drinking water. The MCL is the equivalent of a federal drinking water standard. However, many states have established drinking water standards or guidelines that regulate this contaminant in drinking water. The following table summarizes the various state drinking water standards for 1,4-dioxane. State 1,4-DioxaneDrinking Water Standard Alaska 77 ppb California 1 ppb Colorado 0.35 ppb Connecticut 3 ppb Delaware 6 ppb Florida 3.2 ppb Indiana 7.8 ppb Maine 4 ppb Massachusetts 0.3 ppb Mississippi 6.09 ppb New Hampshire 0.25 ppb New Jersey 0.4 ppb North Caroline 3 ppb Pennsylvania 6.4 ppb Texas 9.1 ppb Vermont 3 ppb Washington 0.438 ppb West Virginia 6.1 ppb Brita Filters Brita has an extensive line of products that can filter and purify your water. They have more than a dozen pitcher filters available, as well as pour-through, faucet-mounted, and inline filters. Their product line includes: Brita streamBrita standard filterBrita longlast filterBrita longlast+ filterBrita bottleBrita faucet system Read my article on Brita filters and lead removal. Brita Filters and 1,4-Dioxane Removal Brita's pitcher filters have been tested and certified by NSF International to remove a variety of contaminants from your drinking water, including lead, chlorine, and particulates. When it comes to removing dioxane from your drinking water, however, Brita pitcher filters are not as effective. Let's discuss how Brita filters work and why the Brita filters aren't a reliable treatment method for 1,4-D. Activated carbon filter Brita used granular activated carbon, also known as GAC and charcoal, to remove impurities from water. Activated carbon is very effective at removing chlorine, many "taste" compounds, and a wide range of VOCs. Unfortunately, activated carbon is not very effective at removing 1,4-dioxane. Studies indicate that charcoal removes as little as 10% of 1,4-D from water to as much as 63%. The average removal rate reported is 55%. While this sounds pretty good, you have to remember that the drinking water standard for this contaminant is as low as 1 ppb. If your water has 100 ppb, you need more than 63% treatment efficiency. In this example, you'd need a filter that provides 99% removal. Personally, I want something that removes all of the 1,4-D, not just some of it. Brita claims about 1,4-dioxane Brita does not make any claims about their products removing 1,4-dioxane from water. They have NSF certification for taste and odor (qualitative issues) and lead, but nothing for 1,4-D. Learn more about Brita filters and the contaminants they can remove from drinking water. Test Your Drinking Water for 1,4-Dioxane Tap Score has an easy-to-use test kit to measure1,4-dioxane in your drinking water. Tap Score's Home Test Kit for 1,4-Dioxane in Drinking Water is an easy and reliable way to test your water for the presence of 1,4-dioxane. This test package provides all of the materials necessary to collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. The results will include a detailed analysis of 1,4-dioxane by EPA method 8260B (or equivalent). Knowing what's in your water is the first step to keeping your family safe. Order your Tap Score 1,4-Dioxane test kit today. Brita Product Summary Brita has an extensive line of filtration products to meet your water treatment needs. Their filters include: Pitcher filtersFaucet filtersBottle filtersDispenser filtersReplacement filters Brita pitcher filters Brita has 12 pitcher filter models available. They come in capacities ranging from 6 to 12 cups, a variety of features, and many color options. Depending on which pitcher filter you have, you can choose between three different replaceable filters. I have a review and summary of them in the section below. Features you may want to consider include: Autofill lid – Pitchers with autofill lid option don't have a lid, so you don't have to lift it up to fill the reservoir.Easy-fill lid - Similar to autofill lids, pitchers with this option don't have a lid to lift up.Electronic filter indicator – The filter indicator lets you know when it's time to replace a spent filter. It is activated when the lid opens for 5-8 seconds (based on size of reservoir) and measures how much water has been treated by keeping count of the number of times it's filled.Filter-As-You-Pour technology – This innovation eliminates the need for a reservoir, so you have instant access to treated water without having to wait for the entire pitcher volume to be treated. Locking lid - This cap prevents dust and debris from falling into the filter reservoir.Smart Light filter indicator - This indicator records the amount of water flowing out of the pitcher when the jug is tilted during usage. It has a green, yellow, and red indicating light to let you know how much filtration capacity is left. Here is a summary of Brita’s current filter pitchers and their key features. Cascade Stream Water Pitcher Average price: $34.49 Capacity: 12-cup Colors: White, Maroon Features: Electronic filter indicator, Filter-As-You-Pour™ technology Champlain Water Pitcher Average price: $36.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White Features: Smart Light filter indicator Huron Water Pitcher Average price: $41.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White, Teal, Black, Red Features: Smart Light filter indicator Lake Water Pitcher Average price: $36.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White, Blue Features: Electronic filter indicator, Autofill lid Metro Pitcher Average price: $21.99 to $32.99 Capacity: 6-cup Colors: White, Red, Turquoise Features: Electronic filter indicator, Space-efficient design Monterey Water Pitcher Average price: $41.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White, Blue, Black, Green Features: Electronic filter indicator, Easy-fill lid Pacifica Water Pitcher Average price: $36.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White, Red, Black Features: Electronic filter indicator, Easy-fill, locking lid Rapids Stream Water Pitcher Average price: $32.49 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: Aquamarine, Grey Features: Electronic filter indicator, Filter-As-You-Pour™ technology SoHo Water Pitcher Average price: $21.99 Capacity: 6-cup Colors: White, Red, Black Features: Electronic filter indicator, Space-efficient design Space Saver Water Pitcher Average price: $22.99 Capacity: 6-cup Colors: White, Blue, Red, Black Features: Electronic filter indicator Tahoe Water Pitcher Average price: $36.99 - $41.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White, Blue, Black, Green Features: SmartLight filter indicator Wave Water Pitcher Average price: $36.99 Capacity: 10-cup Colors: White Features: Electronic filter indicator, Locking lid Brita Faucet Filters Brita has a line of faucet filters that you can install on your kitchen or bathroom faucet to provide clean drinking water. There are two main models of Brita faucet filters with different features: Basic Water Filter Faucet System - This filter attaches onto any standard faucet. Itt comes with one 100-gallon filter which removes 99% lead from tap waters making them safe for drinking or cooking. It also reduces chlorine (taste/odor), benzene, asbestos, and trichloroethylene concentrations.Complete Water Filter Faucet System - This system attaches easily to your sink faucet and includes two 100 gallon filters. These filters remove 99% of lead as well as chlorine (taste/odor), benzene, asbestos, and trichloroethylene. Basic Water Filter Faucet System Average price: $19.99 Treatment capacity: 100 gallons Contaminant removal: lead, chlorine (taste & odor) Features: Filter replacement indicator Colors: white, chrome Complete Water Filter Faucet System Average price: $19.99 Treatment capacity: 100 gallons Contaminant removal: chlorine (taste & odor) Features: Electronic filter indicator, 3 spray options Colors: white Brita Dispenser Filters Brita has a line of dispenser filters that are designed to sit on your countertop and provide clean, filtered water for you and your family. There are two main models of Brita dispenser filters: Ultramax Water Dispenser Average price: $38.99 to $49.99 Treatment capacity: 27-cups Features: Electronic filter replacement indicator Ultraslim Stream Water Dispenser Average price: $44.99 Treatment capacity: 25-cups Features: Smart Light filter indicator (including auto-reset feature), Filter-As-You-Pour technology Brita filter elements Brita has replaceable filter elements for all of the water treatment products. The pitcher filters and Dispenser filters can use either the Elite or Standard filters. Here is a description of the filter elements the Brita offers including pricing, capacity, service life, and other important information. Elite filters Average price: $19.99 Treatment capacity: 120 gallons Service life: 6 months Contaminant removal: removes 99% of lead; chlorine (taste & odor) Pitcher compatibility: Fits all Brita pitchers and dispensers (except Stream) Standard filters Average price: $7.99 Treatment capacity: 40 gallons Service life: 2 months Contaminant removal: chlorine (taste & odor) Pitcher compatibility: Fits all Brita pitchers and dispensers Stream filters Average price: $7.99 Treatment capacity: 40 gallons Service life: 2 months Contaminant removal: chlorine (taste & odor) Pitcher compatibility: Fits all Brita Stream pitchers and dispensers Features: Filter-As-You-Pour technology Water bottle filters Average price: $14.99 Treatment capacity: 40 gallons Service life: 2 months Contaminant removal: chlorine (taste & odor) Pitcher compatibility: Fits all Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottles How do you replace a spent Brita filter and install a new one? The Standard Brita pitcher filter should be replaced every two months or 40 gallons, whichever comes first. Elite filters are replaced after treating 100 gallons or every six months. To replace your filter: Rinse your Brita Standard Filter with cold water for 15 seconds.Insert the filter into the reservoir by lining up the groove in the filter with the ridge in the reservoir. Press firmly for a tight seal.Add cold tap water. Discard your first three pitchers of filtered water or use it to water plants. It’s normal for carbon dust to appear in your first few fillings. What Filters Remove 1,4-Dioxane from Water Currently, there are three commercially available filters that can remove 1,4-dioxane from drinking water. These are: Epic pitcher filtersDistillationSpecialty adsorption resinHigh-efficiency reverse osmosis Epic pitcher filters Epic Water Filters is a water pitcher filter manufacturer that has several products that can remove 1,4-dioxane from water. They have the following products to remove 1,4-D: Epic Pure Pitcher: 99.58% removal of 1,4-dioxaneEpic Nano Pitcher: 99.78% removal of 1,4-dioxaneEpic Smart Shield: >99.82% removal of 1,4-dioxaneEpic Outdoor Bottle Filter: 99.78% removal of 1,4-dioxane The Epic filters are the only brand of pitcher filters documented to remove 1,4-dioxane from drinking water. Distillation Distillation is a very effective way to remove all contaminants from water, including VOCs like dioxanes. Distillation works by heating the water until it turns into steam and then cooling the steam back into water. This process leaves behind any solid or liquid contaminants that have a higher boiling point than water. The only downside to distillation is that it requires electricity to operate and can be quite slow. A home distiller can take several hours to produce a gallon of distilled water. Specialty Adsorption Resin One way to remove 1,4 dioxane from your drinking water is with a synthetic media such as Ambersorb 560 from Dow Chemical. Ambersorb 560 has been designed to have a greater capacity for hydrophobic organic compounds such as 1,4-dioxane. This means that it can adsorb less water and still be effective at removing other volatile substances from contaminated drinking water. This method works by placing the media in a pressure vessel similar to those used for activated carbon. The contaminated water is passed through the media and purified water comes out the other side. The media is very expensive and costs for this method are high. I prepared a comprehensive article discussing specialty adsorption resins for 1,4-dioxane treatment. High-efficiency reverse osmosis Reverse osmosis (RO) is a technology that has been around for decades and is commonly used in water purification systems. RO works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. The pores in the membrane are small enough to allow water molecules through but not contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane. Because of 1,4-D's high solubility, RO does not remove all of it. A typical double pass reverse osmosis filter can remove 60 to 80% of the 1,4-dioxane. A high-efficiency RO system with activated carbon pre- and post-treatment can remove as much as 85 to 95% of the 1,4-dioxane. Read my article on treating 1,4-dioxane with reverse osmosis. FAQs Do any water filters remove dioxane? There are a few water filters that can remove dioxane from water, including distillation, specialty adsorption resins, and high-efficiency reverse osmosis. 1,4-dioxane is a problematic contaminant and there aren't many effective and low-cost options available to homeowners. How do you remove 1,4-dioxane from drinking water? There are a few ways to remove dioxane from drinking water, including distillation, specialty adsorption resins, and high-efficiency reverse osmosis. The most effective method will depend on the concentration of dioxane in your water. What chemicals do Brita filters remove? Brita filters are certified to remove lead and chlorine from water. These pitcher filters are also effective at removing taste and odor from drinking water. Brita does not make any claims about removing other contaminants, including dioxane. Final Take on Brita Filters and 1,4-Dioxane Brita filters are not designed to remove dioxane from drinking water. If you're concerned about this contaminant, you'll need to use a different filtration method. The most effective way to remove dioxane is with distillation, but this process requires electricity and can be quite slow. For a more efficient option, try using a specialty adsorption resin. High-efficiency reverse osmosis can also remove dioxane from water, but it's not as effective as the other two methods. Thanks for reading!