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PREVENTING HALOFORM FORMATION IN DRINKING WATER
Citation:
Harms, L., R. Looyenga, O. Love, AND Jr. PREVENTING HALOFORM FORMATION IN DRINKING WATER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-80/091.
Description:
The Huron, South Dakota, water distribution system was monitored for trihalomethanes at several locations. Deposits from within the distribution system were evaluated as potential precursor material and were found to be precursors for the haloform reaction. Field tests designed to determine the extent of trihalomethane formation that occurs as a result of the pipe deposits were inconclusive. The deposits appear to be a precursor source, but they do not substantially alter the terminal trihalomethane concentration. Ammonium sulfate was used to convert to a combined chlorine residual in the distribution system. A significant drop in trihalomethane concentrations was obtained along with maintenance of adequate disinfection. Primary disinfection was obtained by lime softening followed by a free chlorine residual. Land used upstream from the raw water intake was evaluated for potential chloroform formation. Peak concentrations occurred near marshes, where cattle watered, and where the river was stagnant. Nine raw water quality parameters were monitored and correlated with THM formation. The best correlations were obtained with specific conductance and turbidity.