Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
This is a fact sheet about a disinfection byproduct that may be found in some public or
private drinking water supplies. It may cause health problems if found
in amounts greater than the health standard set by the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Disinfection byproducts are formed when disinfectants used in water treatment plants
react with bromide and/or natural organic matter (i.e., decaying vegetation) present
in the source water. Different disinfectants produce different types or amounts of
disinfection byproducts. Disinfection byproducts for which regulations have been
established have been identified in drinking water, including trihalomethanes,
haloacetic acids, bromate, and chlorite.
Trihalomethanes (TTHM) are a group of four chemicals that are formed along with
other disinfection byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control
microbial contaminants in drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and
inorganic matter in water. The trihalomethanes are chloroform, bromodichloromethane,
dibromochloromethane, and bromoform. EPA has published the Stage 1
Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule to regulate total trihalomethanes
(TTHM) at a maximum allowable annual average level of 80 parts per billion.
This standard will replace the current standard of a maximum allowable annual
average level of 100 parts per billion in December 2001 for large surface water public
water systems. The standard will become effective for the first time in December 2003
for small surface water and all ground water systems.
Some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of EPA's standard
over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous
systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Note: This fact sheet is part of a larger publication adapted from U.S. EPA publication: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.
