The Facts About TCE

Can TCE get into groundwater, well water, or air?

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a substance that can quickly evaporate into the air or soak into the ground and enter groundwater and well water. Once it’s underground, TCE can flow with groundwater over months or years, and some of it may turn into a vapor or gas that can rise upward through the soil. If that happens, TCE might enter buildings through crawl spaces or cracks in a foundation and affect indoor air quality in a process called vapor intrusion, which can occur decades after the initial spill.

Is TCE in my drinking water here in Wichita?

No. Homes and businesses in Wichita are provided safe and tested drinking water from the City’s public water supply system. That supply does not come from groundwater or areas where TCE has been found in groundwater. If you have a private water well used for drinking water purposes, please contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) at 785-296-8896 to have the well closed at no cost to you.

What is the health impact of TCE exposure?

It’s important to consider how long and how much someone is exposed. Exposure to high levels can cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure can potentially impact the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Kansas has put limits on TCE exposure to help protect public health. The limits also provide guidance on what should be done if levels in the air, water, or soil are higher than the limits allowed – either for commercial or industrial facilities or in residential neighborhoods. If the limits are exceeded, it does not necessarily mean health effects will occur, but actions should be taken to prevent further potential exposure.

What are the safety recommendations for TCE in the environment?

Safety measures include the proper storage and use of TCE to prevent spills. For homes and businesses, the goal is to limit exposure by using the public water supply instead of private wells and, if indoor air quality is a concern, take steps to mitigate vapor intrusion that may be occurring through a building’s foundation or crawl space.