Benzene Removal From Water

Benzene is a hydrocarbon and a crude oil derivative that enjoys many uses in industry, especially as a solvent and an intermediate in manufacturing processes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, benzene is also a known carcinogen that can cause both chronic and acute toxicity. Basically, benzene is a chemical you really don't want in your water supply. If you find you have appreciable levels of benzene in your drinking water, you'll need to install a filter to remove it.

Instructions

• 1

  Have your water tested by a certified laboratory. You can find a lab in your area by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. Most labs will provide collection containers you can use to take a sample of your drinking water; follow the instructions provided by the lab and return the sample to them for testing.

• 2

  Determine whether you need to take action based on the results of the lab test. According to Texas A&M University, water suppliers are required to keep levels below 5 micrograms per liter, although the goal is 0 micrograms per liter.

• 3

  Find a supplier that offers activated carbon filtration units; NSF International's website can direct you to this information. NSF is a nonprofit organization providing a list of certified drinking water units that meet certain criteria. The search page allows you to choose a variety of options; tick the box for "Benzene Reduction" under "Reduction Claims for Drinking Water Treatment Units," then enter other search criteria such as facility location to narrow your search. Once you have a list of suppliers, you can compare the prices and products they offer to choose the best one for your home.

• 4

  Keep your activated carbon unit properly maintained once it's been installed. According to the EPA, granular carbon in combination with packed tower aeration has effectively reduced benzene concentrations to safe levels; the filters in these units, however, must be inspected and replaced periodically. The directions for replacing these filters will vary depending on the supplier; follow the manufacturer's guidelines to keep the unit functioning properly.