Tempe Water Violates EPA TTHM Standard

By Daniel Perle
Published: Tuesday, June 13, 2017 - 1:06pm

The city of Tempe recently announced levels of a harmful contaminant in its water violated an EPA standard.

TTHMs are a reaction between disinfectants and natural organic matter and they tend to spike in water when temperatures are high. The contaminant causes numerous health risks when someone is exposed to infected water for years.

Spokeswoman Shannon Reed said the city will be able to reduce the level of TTHMs in spite of the summer weather.

“Because we’re taking a proactive approach to flushing the system and bringing in ground water and adjusting our chemicals, that should prevent spiking with the heat,” Reed said.

A city violates the EPA’s standard for TTHMs when its annual average exceeds 80 parts per billion. Tempe’s May numbers put it over the top as it had 120 parts per billion for the month.

Reed said the next time the number is recorded, in early August, she expects it to reduce to normal levels.

Science