Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

Presence of Combined Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Contaminants in Tampa Bay Drinking Water

Combined Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) are a group of chemical contaminants that can form in drinking water during disinfection. TTHMs include chloroform, bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane.

TTHMs are prevalent across Florida, as chlorine disinfection is commonly used to treat drinking water supplies. Levels tend to be higher in surface water supplies compared to groundwater. TTHM levels also vary seasonally, with higher levels in warmer months when more disinfection is needed.

TTHM Levels in Tampa Bay Counties and Cities

TTHM contaminants have been detected at some level in all major county and city water supplies in the Tampa Bay region, including:

Hillsborough County

Tampa
Temple Terrace
Plant City
Brandon
Carrollwood
Egypt Lake-Leto
FishHawk
Gibsonton
Keystone
Lake Magdalene
Lutz
Mango
Riverview
Seffner
Thonotosassa
Town 'n' Country
University
Valrico

Pinellas County

Clearwater
Dunedin
Gulfport
Largo
Oldsmar
Pinellas Park
Safety Harbor
St. Petersburg
Tarpon Springs

Pasco County

Dade City
Lacoochee
New Port Richey
Port Richey
San Antonio
Wesley Chapel
Zephyrhills

Polk County

Auburndale
Bartow
Davenport
Haines City
Lake Wales
Lakeland
Winter Haven

Hernando County

Brooksville
Spring Hill
Weeki Wachee

Health Concerns from TTHM Exposure

While TTHM levels are regulated and controlled, long-term exposure to elevated levels may have health risks. The maximum contaminant level for TTHMs set by the EPA is 0.080 mg/L.

Some potential health effects linked to TTHM exposure include:

Increased cancer risk, particularly bladder cancer
Liver, kidney, and central nervous system issues
Reproductive and developmental effects

Sensitive populations like pregnant women, infants, and young children may be at greater risk from TTHM exposure.

To minimize risk, the EPA mandates that water systems monitor TTHM levels quarterly and ensure they remain below regulatory limits. Public water suppliers are also required to report TTHM testing results to customers annually.

Water Treatment Solutions for Reducing TTHMs

There are several effective water treatment solutions homeowners can use to reduce TTHM levels in their drinking water:

AquaLux Water Softener - Water softeners reduce hardness minerals that can react with chlorine to form TTHMs. They also remove small amounts of chlorine.
AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter - Carbon filters are excellent at adsorbing and removing TTHMs from water.
AquaBlue Whole House Filter - Multi-media whole house filters with carbon effectively reduce many contaminants including TTHMs.
AquaGuard UV System - UV systems destroy many microorganisms, allowing the disinfection dose to be lowered which reduces TTHM formation.
Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection System - Retention tanks allow time for the chlorine to work effectively at a lower dose before the water enters your pipes, reducing TTHMs.
HydroClear Ozone Generator - Ozone oxidation helps destroy TTHM precursors and provides disinfection without forming TTHMs like chlorine.
AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis - RO removes over 90% of TTHMs along with a wide range of other contaminants for high-quality drinking water.

For more information on how water characteristics like the Floridan Aquifer can impact TTHM formation, see our blog.

Learn more about the effects of water contaminants on personal care.

Contact Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions

To have your water tested and receive a customized water treatment recommendation for reducing TTHMs and other contaminants, schedule a free water test today by calling 727-236-7161 or booking online.

Aqua-Wise offers system installations, financing options, and ongoing maintenance plans to provide clean, safe drinking water for your home or business.