The city of Auburn announced Friday that the level of disinfection byproducts at one testing site is now below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threshold. The annual average of total trihalomethanes at the York Street location has dropped from 81 parts per billion to 74 parts per billion, falling under the EPA’s limit of 80 parts per billion.
Trihalomethanes can form when chlorine, used in the city’s water treatment process, interacts with organic material. Long-term exposure to these byproducts can cause health issues, including cancer and birth defects in newborns. The high level of disinfection byproducts had been considered a “red flag,” but officials reassured the public that the water was safe to drink.
The city also reported that average trihalomethane levels at other testing locations range from 39 to 61 parts per billion, which are below the EPA’s threshold. Officials will continue the hydrant flushing program and monitor trihalomethane levels quarterly. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Auburn Water Filtration Plant at (315) 253-8754.
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