MTBE Removal - Making Your Water Safer

MTBE removal from tap water has become important to some households because of its adverse effects on taste and odor of the tap water.

What Is MTBE? It stands for methyl tert-butyl ether. It is a flammable and colorless liquid used as a gasoline additive to reduce carbon monoxide emissions and help protect the ozone layer. It has replaced lead as a way to boost the octane levels of fuel.

Potential Source Of Contamination:

Methyl tert-butyl ether can get in your drinking water via leakage from underground pipeline and spills from engines into lakes and reservoirs.

Maximum Contamination Allowed:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not set a maximum contaminant level of MTBE in your drinking water and hence, no standard exists for MTBE removal or treatment.

Health Risks:

According to the International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC), methyl tert-butyl ether is not deemed to be a carcinogen at low level. At prolonged, high levels of exposure, the health effects have not been determined but are rather under investigation.

Home Water Treatment:

Getting a home water filter system that is certified to NSF 53 standard is adequate to remove this contaminant from your tap water. This countertop water filter and under counter filtration system are certified to this standard and hence, are excellent for MTBE treatment.

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