Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) play a significant role in evaluating water quality for municipalities, industrial facilities, engineering firms, and laboratories. VOCs in this context refer to waterborne compounds, such as disinfection byproducts (DBPs), BTEX constituents (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes), and various industrial solvents that can be measured by taking advantage of their ability to transition from water into vapor for precise analysis. Engineering Performance Solutions, a nationwide lab based in Jacksonville, FL, provides advanced VOC testing designed to help organizations better understand their water systems, evaluate treatment processes, and make informed operational decisions using accurate, actionable data.
What Are VOCs?
In water quality applications, Volatile Organic Compounds are organic chemicals that readily evaporate from water when subjected to controlled analytical methods. Common examples include DBPs formed during disinfection processes, BTEX compounds associated with petroleum products, and solvents used in industrial or laboratory settings. Because these compounds can influence water system performance, infrastructure planning, and treatment strategies, understanding their presence and concentrations is essential. VOCs are not assessed for indoor air concerns in this context—rather, their volatility allows laboratories to efficiently separate and quantify them during analysis.
Why Test for VOCs?
VOCs testing provides facilities with detailed insight into how various compounds interact with their water systems. Municipalities often evaluate VOC levels to monitor source water, assess distribution system behavior, or support long-term system planning. Industrial facilities may use VOC data to understand how production processes, storage operations, or site conditions influence water quality. Engineering firms and laboratories rely on VOC testing to inform modeling, system design, and technical assessments. Reliable VOC measurements help clients establish baselines, detect trends, optimize treatment processes, and support data-driven decision-making without relying on assumptions.
How Does VOC Testing Work?
VOCs are analyzed using specialized techniques that take advantage of their ability to volatilize. Engineering Performance Solutions begins by determining the appropriate sampling strategy based on the system’s layout, operational needs, and the specific compounds of interest. Samples are then collected using established protocols and tested using methods such as purge-and-trap gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). EPS reviews the data, interprets the results within the context of the facility’s goals, and provides clear, practical recommendations tailored to the client’s system.
For organizations that manage complex water systems, understanding VOCs is a valuable part of maintaining reliable operations and making informed future decisions. Engineering Performance Solutions offers precise VOC testing and expert interpretation designed specifically for municipal systems, industrial facilities, laboratories, and engineering environments. With accurate data and thoughtful guidance, EPS helps clients gain a clearer picture of their water quality and identify the best path forward for system performance and planning.