EPA SDWIS DataIllinois

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) in Illinois Drinking Water

Illinois has 26,675 public water systems. 6737 have recorded total trihalomethanes (tthm) violations.

Total Systems

26,675

With Violations

6,737

EPA MCL

0.08

Population Served

12.6M

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) in Illinois: Key Facts

Total Water Systems

26,675

Systems with Violations

6,737

Lead Violations

91

Copper Violations

465

EPA Standard

0.08 mg/L

Water Systems with Violations in Illinois

SystemPopulationViolations
SKYVIEW ESTATES567512
STURM SBDV546146
WINDMILL ESTATES655042
CARMEL MONTESSORI ACADEMY404386
MARY SEARS ACADEMY LEMONT1153915
CRISWELL COURT MHP943770
IATREIA MENTAL HEALTH703665
TREASURE ISLAND MHP2403443

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 Illinois water?

Illinois has 26,675 public water systems. 6737 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 Illinois 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