Homeowners Can Find Protection Against Trihalomethanes

Environmental group reports contaminant widely spread

Homeowners concerned about trihalomethanes in their water supply should turn to certified products to learn about options for removing the contaminant, according to the Water Quality Association.

According to a new Environmental Working Group analysis of 2011 tests: “Water quality tests by 201 large U.S. municipal water systems that serve more than 100 million people in 43 states has determined that all are polluted with unwanted toxic chemicals called trihalomethanes. These chemicals, an unintended side effect of chlorination, elevate the risks of bladder cancer, miscarriages and other serious ills.”

Trihalomethanes are byproducts from municipal disinfection and are easily removed by carbon products that have been appropriately certified for removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“People can empower themselves to put final barrier protection in their homes,” said Dave Haataja, executive director of WQA. “As research shows more emerging contaminants in our water, we hope homeowners understand the full range of options they have available to protect themselves and their families.”

WQA tests and certifies products for effectiveness. The association uses independent standards established by the NSF International under the process of the American National Standards Institute (NSF/ANSI). Products that have passed testing for VOCs, or trihalomethanes specifically, can be found at wqa.org.

The association also offers certification for trained professionals to help give consumers confidence about the knowledge and ethical standards of local dealers. For more information or to find locally certified water professionals and Gold Seal certified products, those interested should visit wqa.org.

About Water Quality Association
WQA is a not-for-profit association that provides public information about water treatment issues and also trains and certifies professionals to better serve consumers. WQA has more than 2,500 members internationally.