What are disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and how do they get in drinking water?
Public water may contain viruses and bacteria that can cause illness, such as gastrointestinal disorders or diarrhea. Public water suppliers disinfect their water to kill these viruses and bacteria. Chlorine is the most commonly used disinfectant. Sometimes it is used in combination with other disinfectants, such as ozone, chloramine, chlorine dioxide, and ultraviolet light. DBPs are a family of chemicals formed when chlorine-based disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter, such as acids from decaying leaves, and other substances in the source water. The levels of DBPs depend upon the nature of the source water, the type of treatment to remove particles and organic matter, and type and concentration of chlorine disinfection. DBPs include total trihalomethanes (4 chemicals) and haloacetic acids (5 chemicals). Why are DBPs in drinking water an important public health issue? When people consume disinfection byproducts at levels exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection