[Press Release] : Trihalomethane level in Columbia’s water drops

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2008
Contact: Connie Kacprowicz
Public Information Specialist
(573) 874-7325

Trihalomethane level in Columbia’s water drops

	(Columbia, MO) - Columbia’s August compliance sample for total
trihalomethanes from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has
dropped substantially from previous samples. The level of total
trihalomethanes was 38.6 micrograms per liter which brought the running
annual average to 76.8 micrograms per liter. The maximum contaminant
level is 80 micrograms per liter.
	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.  
	Columbia officials met with the Missouri Department of Natural
Resources to confirm the recent total trihalomethane data. They report
that their tests are 95 percent accurate. Explanations on why the levels
dropped significantly are difficult. The chemical reaction with chlorine
and the organic material in the water happens over a period of time.
Columbia Water & Light had been flushing the water main lines in the
northern section of town this summer to help the flow of water. However,
flushing was ceased several weeks before the compliance sample was
taken. 
	The formation of total trihalomethanes is a complex chemical
reaction. There must be more research to determine the situation with
Columbia’s water. The University of Missouri’s Water Resources
Research Center has been consulted and it will begin weekly testing at
the Prathersville compliance sample sight. More data should help make
more concrete assumptions.
	Columbia Water & Light is continuing to research the addition of
ammonia to the water to slow the formation potential of trihalomethanes.
Projects to help the flow of water in the Columbia distribution system
are also being pursued through a voter approved bond issue on the
November ballot. Due to previous samples of water showing elevated
levels of total trihalomethanes, the city must continue to look for ways
to keep the levels well below the maximum contaminant level on a
permanent basis.  
	Questions for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources can
be directed to Everett Baker, environmental engineer, at (660)
385-8000.


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