Chlorination byproducts are chemical compounds formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water.
Why is chlorine added to tap water?
Chlorine is added to tap water to kill microbes and to make your water safe to drink.
Was ACWD listed in the E.W.G. report as one of the agencies delivering water that would put pregnancies at risk?
No. The report maintains that water with concentrations of Total Trihalomethanes greater than 80 µg/L may put pregnancies at risk. The report listed 50 water systems nationwide which deliver water with Total Trihalomethanes exceeding this concentration. ACWD was NOT one of these agencies.
Does ACWD meet current State and Federal regulations for Total Trihalomehtanes?
Yes. ACWD regularly monitors for these chlorination byproducts and meets new State and Federal regulations which require that the average concentration of Total Trihalomethanes remain below 80 µg/L. Monitoring results for the year 2000 showed the highest average was just 40 µg/L.
What steps has ACWD taken to ensure that chlorination byproducts are minimized in the water it delivers to its customers?
ACWD has taken several steps to minimize chlorination byproducts in your water. These include:
Monitoring for Total Trihalomethanes throughout the distribution system every three months as required by State and Federal regulations.
Monitoring the water at our treatment facilities to ensure that our treatment processes are optimized to limit the formation of chlorination byproducts.
Upgrading our Mission San Jose Water Treatment Plant so that chlorination byproduct formation will be further reduced from current levels.
Reviewing the latest regulations, health effects information, and treatment strategies to ensure that we are monitoring for the latest constituents of concern and operating our facilities to further limit the formation of chlorination byproducts.
Who can I contact with additional questions about chlorination byproducts in my water?
If you have any further questions regarding chlorination byproducts in your water, please contact the ACWD Water Quality Laboratory at (510) 668-6520.
BUSINESS HOURS:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Friday (except holidays)
(510) 668-4200
