EPA SDWIS DataCalifornia

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) in California Drinking Water

California has 20,579 public water systems. 12349 have recorded total trihalomethanes (tthm) violations.

Total Systems

20,579

With Violations

12,349

EPA MCL

0.08

Population Served

42.7M

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) in California: Key Facts

Total Water Systems

20,579

Systems with Violations

12,349

Lead Violations

142

Copper Violations

569

EPA Standard

0.08 mg/L

Water Systems with Violations in California

SystemPopulationViolations
Grindstone Rancheria1501214
Tule River Reservation Main3K662
Yurok - Weitchpec120622
Arizona Village3K607
Oasis Mobile Home Park1K564
ROHNERT PARK, CITY OF44K561
Yurok - Kepel76561
Yurok - Wautec96525

Health Effects of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Exposure

Cancer risk

Long-term exposure increases bladder cancer risk

Reproductive effects

Some evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes

Liver/kidney stress

High chronic exposure may stress liver and kidneys

Long-term exposure: increased risk of cancer (bladder). Some evidence of reproductive effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there total trihalomethanes (tthm) in California water?

California has 20,579 public water systems. 12349 have recorded total trihalomethanes (tthm) violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.

How can I check my California water for total trihalomethanes (tthm)?

Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.

What is the EPA limit for total trihalomethanes (tthm)?

The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for total trihalomethanes (tthm) is 0.08 mg/L. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at a Glance

Categorydisinfection byproduct
EPA MCL0.08 mg/L

Source

Byproduct of drinking water chlorination; reaction of chlorine with organic matter

How to Filter Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)

  • +Activated carbon filters reduce TTHMs effectively
  • +Reverse osmosis also removes TTHMs
  • +Letting water sit uncovered may reduce some volatile TTHMs