The Organics Detection System is a cooperative effort involving water utilities and other major Ohio River water users to detect organic compounds in the river. The program is designed to detect concentrations of organic compounds at water intakes located on the Ohio River and certain tributaries for purposes of spill detection and for the protection of public water supplies. A total of fifteen gas chromatographs (GCs) located on the Ohio, Allegheny, Monongahela and Kanawha rivers are operated daily to assure that unreported releases or spills of organic compounds do not compromise drinking water intakes. If an organic compound is detected, ORSANCO is notified by the GC operator and a verification procedure is initiated to validate the presence of the compound in the river. Once validated, the information is distributed to downstream water utilities, as well as state and federal agencies.

ORSANCO works closely with the program’s GC operators to assure proper operation and calibration of the equipment. Additionally, annual training sessions are held to facilitate communication between GC operators and to provide equipment and software upgrade information. Equipment is replaced or upgraded on an as-needed basis and requires approval ORSANCO. Data generated by the system is compiled, reviewed and quality assured by ORSANCO staff. Summary data are published in ORSANCO's Quality Monitor.

For more information on the Organics Detection System, contact:
ORSANCO Public Information Department or Lila Ziolkowski