Everything’s bigger in Texas, especially the scope of unsafe drinking water.
For decades, disinfecting public water systems has been a foundation of modern public health. But a troubling side effect of this essential protection is becoming harder to ignore: Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs). Once DBPs interact with organic matter, TTHMs increase, and so do the health risks.
What are TTHMs?
While the primary goal of disinfection, often achieved with chlorine, is noble and vital, the chemical interaction between these disinfectants and existing organic matter in the source water creates a new class of chemical compounds. These include Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which, while assuring the water is microbiologically safe, introduce a subtle, long-term health consideration that merits our attention.
Why Are TTHMs in Water?
A recent analysis from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) brings this issue into focus, revealing the extent of the risk across the nation. The findings are sobering: widespread violations. Nearly 6,000 community water systems were cited for unsafe TTHM levels.
This is not a regional anomaly; unsafe levels of TTHMs were detected in almost every state.
|
State |
Water Systems Exceeding EPA Limit (2019-2023) |
Population Affected |
EPA Legal Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Texas |
>700 |
8.6 Million |
80 ppb |
|
California |
281 |
15.7 Million |
80 ppb |
|
Florida |
252 |
7 Million |
80 ppb |
|
North Carolina |
246 |
4.2 Million |
80 ppb |
Texas ranks highest on this list, with over 700 water systems serving 8.6 million people reporting TTHM levels above the legal benchmark.
Other states with high readings, such as California, Florida, and North Carolina, share a common factor: significant levels of animal agriculture, which contributes to the organic matter (often manure runoff) that ultimately reacts with disinfectants. Plant material from crops and other fertilizers are also contributing factors to the initial source of water contamination.
The Effect
122 Million Americans At Risk: This vast number represents individuals served by water systems that have, between 2019 and 2023, experienced at least one instance of TTHM levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) legal limit of 80 parts per billion (ppb).
Although small amounts of TTHMs are harmless, continuous exposure through drinking water is a concern. TTHMs have been associated with various negative health outcomes, such as:
-
Increased Risks for Bladder
-
Colorectal Cancer
-
Certain Birth Defects
Aside from TTHMs, water treated by municipal governments still has many other unseen contaminants that cause harmful effects in humans.
How to Avoid TTHMs
Even with city water treatment, runoff can introduce contaminants like Trihalomethanes (TTHMs). This raises the question: "If TTHMs and other contaminants are in my water, how can I ensure I'm not drinking them?" The solution is simple: a Smart Water Purifier.
The Smart Water Purifier
In order to filter TTHMs and other contaminants, a multistep filtration system is ideal. NECOA Smart Water Purifiers use 5-stage, 3 filter reverse osmosis filtration with a carbon filter that filters heavy metals and over 80 contaminants for 99.8% pure water. These will significantly reduce TTHMs and other contaminants. Certified by WQA, lAPMO and NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard, NECOA Smart Water Purifiers are a reliable source for truly purified water.
Drink Clean and Safe
When it comes to staying safe and healthy, water is one of the biggest staples overlooked. You and your family deserve to feel at ease every time you drink water or dispense ice. NECOA provides an easy, reliable, and consistent solution for clean water. Choose a NECOA Smart Water Purifier for a smarter, safer, and healthier option for your family.