What is methyl-t-butyl ether MTBE? How does it contaminate a water supply?

MTBE is a member of a group of chemicals commonly known as fuel oxygenates. Oxygenates are added to fuel to increase its oxygen content. MTBE is used in gasoline throughout the United States to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels caused by auto emissions. MTBE has replaced the use of lead as an octane enhancer ever since 1979. Releases of MTBE to ground and surface water can occur through leaking underground storage tanks and pipelines, spills, emissions from marine engines into lakes and reservoirs, and to some extent from air deposition.

Additional information on MTBE is available at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/unregulated/mtbe.cfm.

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