Minimizing Disinfection Byproducts By Targeting Natural Organic Matter Precursors

The most common and effective long-term approaches for drinking water utilities managing disinfection byproducts (DBPs) focus on limiting formation within a treatment step or distribution system rather than altering disinfection processes. DBPs are formed when total organic carbon (TOC) reacts with disinfectants to form unintended byproducts. Here’s why water treatment plants (WTPs) need to lean less on the disinfection process strategies (i.e., chloramination) and instead focus on more comprehensive DBP solutions such as removing TOC.