What do increased levels of TTHMs in drinking water indicate?

Increased levels of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in drinking water indicate the presence of organic materials. TTHMs are chemical byproducts that form when chlorine, used for disinfection, reacts with organic matter in the water supply. This organic material can come from natural sources, such as decaying vegetation or other biological sources, which are present in surface waters and can enter the drinking water supply.

As organic compounds are prevalent, they interact with chlorine during the disinfection process, resulting in the formation of TTHMs. Therefore, elevated TTHM levels signal a reaction between chlorine and these organic materials, highlighting the importance of monitoring both disinfectant levels and the concentration of organic materials in water treatment processes.

Understanding this relationship is essential for ensuring water quality and safety, as high TTHM concentrations can pose health risks to consumers. Managing the levels of organic matter in the drinking water supply can help minimize the formation of TTHMs, thereby improving the overall safety of the water.