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DBCP In Drinking Water: What Does It Mean? Page 6 amount of the chemical to be reduced by one-half, as, for example, through degradation or breakdown). Sampling records show that the levels of DBCP in wells are gradually declining. Replacement wells are usually the least expensive method of providing uncontaminated water, but they are not always feasible because of geology and ground water availability. The one recommended treatment method in this case is granular activated carbon, in which water is run through a bed of charcoal, which adsorbs chemicals. Air stripping, in which the DBCP is evaporated from the water by trickling the water down through a tower where it is exposed to air, is no longer considered effective. The cost of treatment is reflected in the capital and operating costs given above. WHAT ABOUT USING BOTTLED WATER OR INSTALLING FILTERS? If DBCP in your drinking water temporarily exceeds the new MCL of 0.2 ppb, you might want to consider using bottled drinking water. In cases where exposure could continue for a long time, however, such as with contaminated private wells, obtaining a safer water supply or installing a water treatment device, such as carbon filter, at home may be advisable. Using bottled water or installing a water treatment device at the kitchen water tap will not, however, stop most exposure to DBCP if it is in your water supply. Most treatment units sold for home installation only treat water at the point of use, such as the kitchen faucet, and do not affect the major sources of exposure, which are air and contact through the skin. Because DBCP is volatile, it is released into the indoor air showers, baths, toilets, dishwashers, and other appliances. Nearly two-thirds of exposure to the chemical is estimated to come from breathing it in indoor air or through skin contact, whereas drinking accounts for only one-third of the exposure. Point of entry filters, which treat water for the entire house, would remove these other sources of exposure, but these units are more expensive. Water treatment devices are not all alike in their effectiveness at removing contaminants. Depending on the contaminants to be removed, some types work better than others. That is why it is best to have your water analyzed before deciding on which type of filter to buy. For DBCP, granular activated carbon treatment works best. Sources of further information on water treatment devices are given at the end of this section. It is important that any water treatment device be maintained well for it to work effectively. The frequency of required maintenance will depend on the concentration of the contaminants being removed and the volume of water being treated. A maintenance contract may be advisable.