Organic matter makes up a significant part of the soil, therefore water soluble organic compounds are present in all water supplies. Organic matter in water is reported on a water analysis as carbon, as it is in the TOC (total organic carbon) determination. The following is a list of organic matter in water which is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986.
| Endrin | 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | |
| Lindane | 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (dioxin) | |
| Methoxychlor | Vydate | |
| Toxaphene | Simazine | |
| 2,4-D | Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) | |
| 2,4,5-TP |
| |
| Aldicarb | Phthalates | |
| Chlordane | Atrazine | |
| Dalapon | Acrylamide | |
| Diquat | Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) | |
| Endothall | 1,2-Dichloropropane | |
| Glyphosate | Pentachlorophenol | |
| Carbofuran | Pichloram | |
| Alachlor | Dinoseb | |
| Epichlorohydrin | Ethylene dibromide (EDB) | |
| Toluene | Dibromomethane | |
| Adipates | Xylene | |
| Hexachlorocyclopentadiene |
Organic Matter Water Treatment - Activated carbon is an effective organic matter water treatment solution. Active carbon filters are generally used to remove organics, color, and taste-and-odor causing compounds. The contact time and service flow rate of water through the filter dictate the size of the carbon filter. When removing organics, restrict flow rates to 2 gpm per square foot of the filter bed. Reverse Osmosis Systems are highly effective organic water treatment method and will remove 98 to 99% of the organics in the water. Ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) have both been proven to remove organics from drinking water. Anion exchange resin also retains organics, but periodically needs cleaning to ensure they are working correctly and efficiently.