Millions of people across the United States could be drinking water contaminated with dangerous levels of substances created when utilities disinfect water tainted with animal manure and other pollutants. An analysis of testing results from community water systems in 49 states found that nearly 6,000 such systems serving 122 million people recorded an unsafe level of chemicals known as trihalomethanes at least once during testing from 2019 to 2023. The chemicals are byproducts created when Chlorine is used by water systems interact with organic matter, such as decaying leaves, vegetation, human or animal waste and other substances. One or more of these chemicals chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, and bromoform have been linked to various human health risks, including cancers. Texas water systems had the highest prevalence of water systems with unsafe levels of TTHMs, with more than 700 such systems serving over 8.6 million people reporting the contaminants above the EPAs 80 ppb, according tothe reportissued April 10 by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Manure from factory farms is polluting our water supplies, and when utilities try to make that water safe to drink, they unintentionally create another public health hazard that increases the risk of cancer and birth defects, Anne Schechinger, EWGs Midwest director,said.
Does chlorine produce by-products in drinking water?
When water containing organic matter is treated with chlorine it is possible that small amounts of chemical by-products known as trihalomethanes can be formed.
Many scientific investigations have been conducted around the world over the past 40 years to determine if a health risk exists. To date no conclusive evidence has been found.
For about a decade on northern Sydney beaches, I drank water straight from the water tanks. 2 x 5000L, straight from the roof. The best tasting water in Sydney, & Sydney water is pretty good. No filters, possums running across the roof leaving their messages.
Never once got sick.
When we sold our parents house, I happened to run into the Gardner who did all the houses in the street. He was shaking his head that the new owners ripped everything out. & it was beautifully plumbed in.
Sad, but I have to let the problem go. Just how it is.
So don't be too fanatical about the water.
Our issue is more to the point, as long as it makes a nice cup of tea that is the most important issue.
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Have to agree with Whenarewethere. Our house runs off 2 x 25000 liter water tanks filled strait from the roof, and piped strait to the tap with nothing added, I drink it every day and never had a problem. a freind used to bring a 20 liter container and ask if he could fill it to take home with him. Landy
-- Edited by landy on Thursday 1st of May 2025 09:14:06 PM
-- Edited by landy on Friday 2nd of May 2025 08:39:32 AM
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My mother grew up with water tanks and would never drink the water unless it was boiled strained and in a cup of tea. When she moved into town and had town water supply she was ecstatic. untill.... they found a body in the tank and realised she had been drinking the water for a couple of weeks. Me? I use the tank for the garden only. Tap water for everything else and bottled water when I drink only water. (10ltr packs) also good to have some for an emergency.
Does chlorine produce by-products in drinking water?
When water containing organic matter is treated with chlorine it is possible that small amounts of chemical by-products known as trihalomethanes can be formed.
Many scientific investigations have been conducted around the world over the past 40 years to determine if a health risk exists. To date no conclusive evidence has been found.