Pesticides
Source of Pesticides
Pesticides are common synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs). Pesticides reach surface and well water supplies from the runoff in agricultural areas where they are used. Certain pesticides are banned by the government because of their toxicity to humans or their adverse effect on the environment. Pesticides usually decompose and break down as they perform their intended function. Low levels of pesticides are found where complete break down does not occur. There is no US EPA maximum contamination level (MCL) for pesticides as a total, each substance is considered separately.
Treatment of Pesticides
Activated carbon filtration is the most effective way to remove organics whether synthetic (like pesticides) or natural. Ultrafiltration will also remove organic compounds. Reverse osmosis will remove 97 - 99% of the pesticides.