| Trihalomethanes
(THMs)
Trihalomethanes (THMs) are disinfection byproducts
created when chlorine is used to disinfect water containing natural organic
matter.
Although THMs have been associated with adverse health effects
among pregnant women, no causal relationship has been established.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the
limit of total THMs in treated water at 0.080 milligrams/liter. Our treated
water supply is well within that health-based standard.
Several factors affect THM formation, including the amount
of chlorine used during treatment, the concentration of total organic
carbons in the source water, temperature, pH and retention time in the
system.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority takes proactive measures
to manage the formation of THMs during the water treatment process.
While science has not established a causal relationship
between THMs and adverse health affects among pregnant women, the SNWA advises consumers—particularly pregnant women—to call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 about any concerns related to THMs.
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