OWASA says contaminant levels have dropped
Published: Sat, Nov. 29, 2008 12:30AM
Modified Sat, Nov. 29, 2008 01:42AM
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closeCARRBORO -- The Orange Water and Sewer Authority says that recent testing of its drinking water showed reduced levels of disinfection by-products, and that the utility continues to comply with federal and state standards.
In September and October, OWASA reported elevated trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) in several water samples. THMs and HAAs form when chlorine used to disinfect drinking water reacts with organic matter that is naturally present in water.
Under federal and state regulations, THM levels may average up to 80 parts per billion (ppb) in a one-year period and HAAs may average up to 60 ppb. OWASA's yearly averages for THMs was 53.2 ppb and for HAA samples was 48.3 ppb as of Aug. 13. One part per billion is like a penny in $10 million.
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To address THM and HAA levels, OWASA resumed use of wood-based carbon particles instead of coal-based carbon for taste and odor control in drinking water treatment.
OWASA is the community-owned, public nonprofit water and sewer agency that serves the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community.
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