Organic Low Risk
Total Trihalomethanes
Liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems, increased risk of cancer
Sources: Disinfection byproducts, Chlorine reaction with organic matter
Regulatory Limit
Zero EPA Limit (80 μg/L)
*Levels above the EPA limit are considered unsafe.
MCL Value
80 μg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0 μg/L
Violating Systems
6 nationwide
Affected Population
14.4M estimated
Avg Detected Level
48.8091 μg/L in affected systems
Health Risk Assessment
Exposure to Total Trihalomethanes in drinking water is regulated because of its potential to cause liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems, increased risk of cancer. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 80 μg/L to protect public health.
Note: Long-term exposure above the MCL can significantly increase health risks.
Detailed Health Effects
Liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems, increased risk of cancer
Common Sources
1
Disinfection byproducts 2
Chlorine reaction with organic matter National Overview
Total Tests
57
Violations Found
6
Violation Rate
10.5%
Top States by Violations
Most Affected Systems
77
Dallas Water Utilities
B TX0570001 Dallas, TX
1,300,000 served
77
West Virginia American Water (Charleston)
B WV3301701 Charleston, WV
48,006 served
85
New York City DEP
B NY5110001 New York, NY
8,500,000 served
93
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
A CA1910067 Los Angeles, CA
4,000,000 served
29
Ann Arbor Water Treatment
F MI8110001 Ann Arbor, MI
123,851 served
69
City of Virginia Beach Public Utilities
C VA3800300 Virginia Beach, VA
459,470 served
Treatment Methods
Granular activated carbon
Aeration
Enhanced coagulation
Is this in your water?
Find out if your local water system has detected Total Trihalomethanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Total Trihalomethanes and why is it in drinking water?
Total Trihalomethanes is a organic contaminant. Common sources include: Disinfection byproducts, Chlorine reaction with organic matter.
What are the health effects of Total Trihalomethanes in drinking water?
Liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems, increased risk of cancer
What is the EPA limit for Total Trihalomethanes?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Total Trihalomethanes is 80 μg/L.
How can I remove Total Trihalomethanes from my water?
Effective treatment methods for removing Total Trihalomethanes include: Granular activated carbon, Aeration, Enhanced coagulation.
How do I test my water for Total Trihalomethanes?
You can check your water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for Total Trihalomethanes levels, or use a certified home water testing kit. WaterQ provides the latest EPA test data for all public water systems.