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Disinfection By Products in Community Drinking Water Systems by Mean TTHM Concentration and Community Water Systems, New Jersey, 2006 to 2023

Indicator Report Data View Options

Why Is This Important?

Disinfection by products (DBPs) are formed when disinfectants (such as chlorine chemicals) used during water treatment to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, react with natural organic matter in water. Trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) are produced in the largest amounts. The level of DBPs formed after disinfection depends on the source water, type of treatment, and amount of disinfectant used. Health risks from exposure to low levels of DBPs are not well understood. Some studies suggest that DBP exposure may increase the risk of bladder and colorectal cancers and reproductive and developmental health effects.

Definition

The distribution of disinfection by products (total trihalomethane and haloacetic acid) in drinking water by community water system, population served, and year New or more stringent MCLS for DBPs were phased in between 2003 and 2005. The MCL for total trihalomethanes was lowered from 100 micrograms per liter to 80 micrograms per liter, and a new MCL for haloacetic acids was established at 60 micrograms per liter. Data are presented for community water systems that reported test results for the specified time interval.

Data Source

Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
(https://www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/index.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

  • Numerator:

    Number of community water systems by THM concentration in drinking water
  • Denominator:

    Not Applicable

Related Health Objectives and Indicators


Environmental Public Health Tracking Indicator DW-43

Description: Disinfection by-products in community water systems
https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/indicatorPages?selectedContentAreaAbbreviation=1&selectedIndicatorId=43


Related Relevant Population Characteristics Indicators:

Health Topic Pages Related to: Disinfection By Products in Community Drinking Water Systems

Indicator Data Last Updated On 05/02/2024, Published on 05/24/2024
Environmental Public Health Tracking Project, New Jersey Department of Health, PO Box 369, Trenton, NJ 08625-0369, e-mail: nj.epht@doh.nj.gov (https://www.nj.gov/health/epht)