Alachlor

GENERAL INFORMATION
Alachlor is an odorless white solid. Alachlor is used as an herbicide for control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in crops, primarily on corn, sorghum, and soybeans. The major source of alachlor in drinking water is runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who drink water containing alachlor well in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for many years could have problems with their eyes, liver, kidneys, or spleen, or experience anemia, and may have increased risk of getting cancer.

Standard value 1: 
2.00
Standard units 1: 
ppb
Input units: 
ug/L
ppb
Contaminant group: 
SVOC
Standard type 1: 
MCL
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Alachlor levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Action is optional 1: 

ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Alachlor levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum contaminant level.

Typical range in Ohio: 
detection suggest human source
Major sources in drinking water: 
Runoff from herbicide used on row crops
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) are considered the best available technologies (BAT) for treatment of many organic contaminants including organic pesticides, volatile organic compound (VOCs), and Trihalomethanes (THMs) (by-products of chlorination). Treatment can be at the tap (called point of use or POU) or the entire house.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: