GALION — Galion utility customers will be receiving a notice in their December utility bills regarding city drinking water. Our water system recently violated the maximum contaminant level for trihalomethanes (TTHM), a disinfection byproduct common in the water treatment process.
The average level of TTHM in Galion drinking water over the last four quarters of the year was 0.081 mg/L. The EPA drinking water standard for TTHM is 0.080 mg/L.
The TTHM levels detected do not pose an immediate health risk.
More more information from the EPA on TTHM, visit http://www.ci.galion.oh.us/DocumentCenter/View/552
However, some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the maximum contaminant level over many years may experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.
According to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, public drinking water is required to be treated with disinfectants in order to kill germs. Disinfection byproducts form when disinfectants, such as chlorine, react with organic and inorganic substances present in raw water.
The Galion Water Treatment Plant has been and continues working to reduce the TTHM level. Residents do NOT need to use an alternative (e.g. bottled) water supply. However, if you have specific health concerns please consult your doctor. Information on home water treatment units can be obtained through the National Sanitation Foundation’s website at www.nsf.org.
If you have more questions, please call Galion’s water treatment plant at 419-468-5010.
