Disinfection By-Products (DBPs)

Disinfection By-Products, or DBPs, occur in drinking water when disinfectants interact with naturally-occurring organic matter (or NOM). Disinfection is essential to producing safe, pathogen-free drinking water. At CCMWA, we work diligently each day to minimize the risk of DBP formation, ensuring a safer water supply for our communities. Recently, the November issue of Science published the discovery of a previously unidentified DBP, chloronitramide anion. CCMWA is aware of this work and is gathering all relevant information on this new DBP.​

Below is a summary of the key facts surrounding water disinfection and DBP formation that guide our daily operations.​

Key Points:

  • Compliance with State and Federal law​
    • CCMWA frequently monitors the concentrations of regulated DBP chemicals in our water treatment facilities, and water transmission system.​
    • We also collaborate with our customers to monitor DBPs in their water distribution networks.​
    • In the treatment and production of drinking water, CCMWA follows all regulations and standards for safe disinfection practices, and removal of the NOM that leads to DBP formation.
  • Disinfection with chlorine​
    • To mitigate the risk of microbial pathogens, CCMWA applies chlorine (from sodium hypochlorite, or “bleach”) at multiple stages in the water treatment process.​
    • The reactions between chlorine in water and NOM are well-studied, and the products of these reactions can be monitored routinely by CCMWA and the communities it supports.​
    • Recently, new DBPs have been identified and reported in U.S. drinking water samples. These samples contained chloramines, which are formed intentionally by some treatment works with the application of chlorine and ammonia (in a controlled sequence). CCMWA does not utilize this secondary disinfection practice.
    • The chloronitramide anion that was recently detected in chloraminated water samples in university laboratories is of interest to the entire water industry.
    • To date, researchers have not found this new DBP in chlorinated drinking waters (as it is practiced by CCMWA).​
    • The public health impacts and formation risks (of chloronitramide) in water treatment and transmission systems will continue to be investigated.

  • DBP Research

    • To enhance our operations, CCMWA actively supports and participates in cutting-edge water research conducted by organizations such as The Water Research Foundation (Denver, CO), and partnering research universities.​
    • CCMWA will continue to work with regulatory agencies, research facilities, and communicate findings to better understand the occurrence and impacts of the chloronitramide anion.​

     

    At the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, we strive to provide safe, sustainable, and reliable drinking water that supports the region. Our goal is to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest water quality standards.

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