Trihalomethane formation in North Carolina drinking waters

Analyses of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water have shown that these contaminants are formed during the course of water treatment in nine large cities in North Carolina. Research indicates that ultraviolet absorbance and total organic carbon are good indicators of THMs and their precursors. Statistical analysis of research data was also used to identify seasonal variations, temperature effects, geographic trends, and the other water quality characteristics and treatment practices that contribute to formation of THMs.