[Press Release] : Trihalomethane research and data update

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2008

Contacts:  
Connie Kacprowicz, Public Information Specialist, (573) 874-7325
Floyd Turner, Manager of Water Operations, (573) 874-6229
Barry Kirchhoff, Water Plant Superintendent, (573) 445-3517

Everett Baker, Environmental Engineer, Missouri Department of Natural
Resources, (660) 385-8000

Trihalomethane research and data update

	(Columbia, MO) - Columbia Water & Light has begun research on
the elevated levels of trihalomethanes in the water system. As suggested
and approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the
University of Missouri’s Water Resources Research Center has started
collecting data to pinpoint problem areas.  Additional samples from the
distribution system have also been analyzed. This initial research has
helped formulate some short-term strategies which will determine
long-term solutions.
	Trihalomethanes are a by-product of the water disinfection
process. They are formed when chlorine breaks down organic material in
the water. Trihalomethanes do not present an immediate danger. According
to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental
Protection Agency, there are health risks when a person is exposed to
high levels over a period of 70 years.  

Outline of the University of Missouri’s Water Resources Research
Center Research
	Trihalomethane Formation Potential: Samples are being taken from
the city’s water wells to measure the total organic carbon and the
bromide levels. These two agents react with chlorine to form
trihalomethanes. This data will determine if the water from certain
wells is more likely to form trihalomethanes than from others. 
	Treatment Process: Analysis of the water at different stages of
the treatment process will determine if any adjustments can be made to
lower the potential formation of trihalomethanes. Any changes in the
treatment process will have to be approved by the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources.
	Distribution System: Different parts of the distribution system
will be sampled to determine which areas of the city are more
problematic. By identifying problem areas, changes in the way water
flows to these areas could be proposed to the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources as a solution.

Current Data from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
	Along with the research being conducted by the University of
Missouri, samples from different sites were analyzed for trihalomethanes
by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The initial
distribution system evaluation data was collected from eight sites
throughout Columbia’s water distribution system. The average level of
trihalomethanes for the entire distribution system was 78.425 micrograms
per liter. The compliance sample was taken from the Prathersville area.
The running average for the trihalomethane compliance sample was 89.2
micrograms per liter. The maximum contaminant level for trihalomethanes
is 80 micrograms per liter. Columbia last received a notice of violation
from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in April 2008 for the
compliance sample average of 82.3 micrograms per liter.

Suggested Actions
	Before the data is collected and analyzed by the University of
Missouri’s Water Resources Research Center, it is difficult to
formulate a full strategy to significantly lower the levels of
trihalomethanes in Columbia’s water. However, it is Water & Light
staff’s assumption that the water in the furthest reaches of the
distribution system, where the water flow is slower, is where the higher
levels of trihalomethanes can be found. Staff has started flushing water
mains in the remote areas of the system. This is not a permanent
solution to the problem but it might provide some insight on how the
levels of trihalomethanes change with increased water flow. Water
samples will be taken before and after the flushing so they can be
evaluated by an outside laboratory. The flushing of the water lines will
be halted 10 days before the August compliance sample is taken for the
Missouri Department of Natural Resources so the results will not be
skewed. 

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