Disinfection Byproducts (TTHM & HAA5) in Drinking Water - Erie Town of, CO
Erie Town of · Erie, CO · 40,061 people served
Data: EPA SDWIS, ECHO
Disinfection Byproducts (TTHM & HAA5) Data for Erie Town of
No CCR entry for Disinfection Byproducts (TTHM & HAA5) and PWSID CO0162255 was matched in the pinned corpus used for this correction. This does not mean the contaminant was absent or the system was compliant.
Health Effects of Disinfection Byproducts (TTHM & HAA5)
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in water. The two regulated groups are Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). Long-term exposure to elevated DBP levels is associated with increased risk of bladder and colorectal cancer. Some studies also link DBPs to reproductive effects including miscarriage and low birth weight. DBP levels tend to be higher in systems using surface water and during warmer months.
Source: CDC — Disinfection Byproducts; EPA.
EPA Standard
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for disinfection byproducts is 80 ppb (TTHM) / 60 ppb (HAA5), governed by the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule. Water systems that exceed this limit must notify consumers and take corrective action.
What You Can Do
- Install a granular activated carbon (GAC) filter — the most practical DBP removal method
- Point-of-use carbon filters (pitcher, faucet-mount, under-sink) can reduce DBP levels
- Letting water sit in an open container or aerating it can reduce some volatile THMs
- Reverse osmosis systems also remove DBPs effectively
- Contact your utility if you notice a strong chlorine taste or smell — DBPs may be elevated
- Check your system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for TTHM and HAA5 levels
Recommended Water Filters
The most effective treatment for disinfection byproducts removal is Granular Activated Carbon.
| Filter Type | Effectiveness | NSF Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) | 80-95% | NSF 53 | Most practical solution; replace filters per manufacturer schedule |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 90-99% | NSF 58 | Very effective but higher cost and water waste |
| Aeration / Air Stripping | 50-90% | N/A | Effective for volatile THMs; less effective for HAAs |
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Recommended Water Filters
The most effective treatment for disinfection byproducts removal is Granular Activated Carbon.
| Filter Type | Effectiveness | NSF Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) | 80-95% | NSF 53 | Most practical solution; replace filters per manufacturer schedule |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 90-99% | NSF 58 | Very effective but higher cost and water waste |
| Aeration / Air Stripping | 50-90% | N/A | Effective for volatile THMs; less effective for HAAs |