Methane (Dissolved in water)

Standard value 1: 
10.00
Standard units 1: 
ppm
Input units: 
mg/L
ppm
Contaminant group: 
Dissolved gas
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Methane levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the Ohio Department of Health Action Level.

Methane gas is non- toxic and does not cause cancer. Dissolved methane becomes a serious concern when levels reach 10 mg/l. Methane can build up to explosive levels in confined spaces when dissolve methane exsolves (comes out of solution) from water after it reaches it's saturation point. The saturation point can vary depending on barometric pressure and temperature. Methane gas can build up to the LEL (lower explosive limit) of 51,000 mg/l or 5.1% volume by air up to 15% in confined spaces.

Methane is an asphyxiant when it replaces oxygen in an enclosed area at a concentration of over 50% in air. Dissolved methane levels may be higher when water is pumped from deeper aquifers under higher pressure conditions (up to about 180 mg/l).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Methane levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the Ohio Department of Health Action Level.

Methane gas is non- toxic and does not cause cancer. Dissolved methane becomes a serious concern when levels reach 10 mg/l. However, any detected dissolved methane has the potential to build up to explosive levels in confined spaces when dissolve methane exsolves (comes out of solution) from water after it reaches it's saturation point. The saturation point can vary depending or barometric pressure and temperature. Methane gas can build up to the LEL (lower explosive limit) of 51,000 mg/l or 5.1% volume by air up to 15% in confined spaces.

Methane is an asphyxiant when it replaces oxygen in an enclosed area at a concentration of over 50% in air. Dissolved methane levels may be higher when water is pumped from deeper aquifers under higher pressure conditions (up to about 180 mg/l).

Typical range in Ohio: 
0-180mg/l
Major sources in drinking water: 
Methane gas is found in coal beds, oil and natural gas formations, landfills, marshes (aka swamp gas) and Some glacial deposits (aka drift gas).
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Approved vented well cap, Passive venting (turbine). Wells located in basements or basement offsets should be vented outside. Dissolve methane levels approaching 23 mg/l should include spray aeration treatment. The exsolved methane is then actively vented outside and away from the home. Water temperature may need to be adjusted in order to improve process. The water temperature should be above 58 degrees to gain complete dissolved methane removal using aeration methods. The principal disadvantage of this method is possible bacterial growth in the treated water caused by the use of dirty air.