Debunking Common Myths about THMs in Drinking Water
Being able to identify and manage E. coli in the water for recreation is important for keeping the water enjoyable for swimmers and water enthusiasts. E coli, a bacteria found in humans and pets’ intestines, can enter recreational water sources and be deadly. With the correct testing methods (coliform/E.coli testing) and the correct treatment options (disinfections/filtration systems) we can help prevent E. coli contamination before it occurs to individuals engaged in recreational water usage.
What are THMs and how do they get into our Drinking Water?
Trihalomethanes are a class of chemicals that come up most frequently when we talk about drinking water quality. These are chemicals that are generated by reaction of chlorine, widely used in water purification to destroy invasive bacteria and viruses, with natural organic materials in water.
That reaction usually occurs when water is sanitised in water treatment facilities. The THMs form when chlorine comes into contact with living things such as rotting vegetation. The reaction that produces these compounds depends on organic matter and chlorine, temperature, pH and time of exposure.
Myth: THMs are Naturally Occurring in All Water Sources
It is one of the biggest lies, that THMs are naturally present in all water sources. It’s not that organic matter – which is required for THM formation – tends to naturally occur in water, but THMs are not. They’re created mostly as a byproduct of water disinfection when chlorine reacts with this organic material.
THMs wouldn’t usually be in our drinking water if they were not chlorinated. What’s interesting is that the same procedure that creates THMs – chlorination – is an essential component of water treatment, helping to make sure our water isn’t infected by pathogens.
Myth: All THMs are Harmless
The other myth is that all THMs are safe. In fact, long-term use of extremely high THMs has been associated with various health problems. Inhalation or ingestion of some THMs, such as chloroform, for prolonged periods of time can lead to liver, kidney or lung damage, several studies have found.
There is also some evidence that chronic THM exposure can be linked to certain cancers. But if you want to be clear, these hazards usually come with THMs that are significantly higher than those present in the majority of treated water.
Myth: THMs can’t be Removed Once in the Water Supply
A further myth we’ve heard a lot is that THMs don’t get removed once they’re in the water. Alternatively, there are actually various methods of dewatering or reducing THMs from water.
High tech water treatments like activated carbon filtration and aeration can also reduce THM. And water treatment facilities can adapt disinfection procedures to minimize THM formation, such as by reducing chlorine input at the point of addition or by incorporating alternative disinfectants.
Myth: There's No Safe Level of THMs in Drinking Water
There’s no such thing as no safe level of THMs in water. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are health agencies that have established thresholds for maximum THMs in water.
The EPA, for instance, has a maximum limit for total THMs of 80 parts per billion (ppb). This is to be understood as they are based on the necessity of disinfection against the possibility of microbial contamination of water.
Myth: Bottled Water is Free from THMs
A third myth is that bottled water is totally THM-free. Others might buy their water from springs or elsewhere with possibly lower THMs; others might use city-treated water that could carry them. Moreover, if there’s extra disinfection at the point of bottling, then there’s a chance THMs may be present in the bottled water.
Remember, too, that laws and testing guidelines for bottled water are often very different in different regions and by company. Also, always read the water quality report from the bottled water company if you are worried about THMs.
Myth: Boiling Water Removes THMs
Boiling water destroys THMs, another one of those myths that needs to be busted. Boiling water kills bacteria and parasites of some kinds, but isn’t a great way to get rid of chemical contaminants such as THMs.
Indeed, boiling might raise THMs concentration because some of the water evaporates. THMs will typically be reduced through activated carbon filter or aeration.
What immediate actions should be taken if E. coli is detected in a water source?
Despite the myths, there are practical steps you can take to reduce exposure to THMs in your drinking water. Here are a few recommendations:
- Regular Testing: Have your water tested regularly to know its THM levels. This is especially important if you get your water from a private well, as it’s not subject to the same regulations as municipal water.
- Water Treatment: Consider installing a water treatment system that can reduce THMs. Activated carbon filters and aeration systems are commonly used for this purpose.
- Good Ventilation: If you’re concerned about inhaling THMs during activities like showering, ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated to disperse the steam.
The Role of Public Education in Preventing THMs Formation
THMs, like so many environmental health problems, can be effectively controlled by education. If we know what THMs are, how they form, and the real dangers of THMs, we can be a better water user and water treatment customer.
And that it is personal, if we recognize that our own behaviour – for example, the disposal of organic waste – affects THM levels in our water, we have a choice. To give an example, by limiting organic material in our waterways, organic matter can be reduced to have less to react with chlorine when water is treated, reducing THM.
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