SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — The City of San Angelo announced on Nov. 13 that it has received a violation notice from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for exceeding a federal disinfection byproduct limit set for the drinking water supply.

According to information provided by the City, the drinking water supply has exceeded the maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes. The supply's trihalomethane level tested in the range of 0.081-0.083 milligrams per liter, which is over the Environmental Protection Agency's limit of 0.080 milligrams per liter.

The notice issued by the TCEQ stated that trihalomethanes are "a group of volatile organic compounds that are formed when chlorine, added to the water during the treatment process for disinfection, reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water." It is stated in the notice that some individuals who drink water that exceeds the EPA's maximum limit of trihalomethanes for several years may begin to have kidney, liver and central nervous system issues and may be at a higher risk of getting cancer.

"Studies have indicated people who drink water containing trihalomethanes more than the maximum contamination level over many years have an increased risk of developing cancer and issues with the liver, kidney or central nervous system," the City said.

The City stated that the increased levels came "as a result of using solely surface water in our treated water supply." The City's groundwater treatment facility has been offline "for nearly a year" to allow for expansion according to the notice, with the City stating that construction is "nearing completion."

"We normally blend treated surface water with treated groundwater, which is less likely to form high levels of trihalomethanes," the City said.

The City stated that citizens do not need to take action and that "it is not necessary to use an alternative water supply." It said that it "is closely monitoring disinfection byproduct levels." It is stated in the notice that the City will also flush "aged water from select fire hydrants" to reduce trihalomethane concentrations to below the maximum limit.

News Source : https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/water/city-drinking-water-violates-epa-contamination-limits/