Title: Chasing disinfection by-products through the pipes, determining which are most important, and uncovering wildfire impacts on drinking water
Abstract:
Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are unlike traditional contaminants because they are not already present in environmental waters, but form during drinking water treatment. They are formed by reactions of natural organic matter and disinfectants used to kill harmful pathogens. Eleven DBPs are currently regulated by the U.S. EPA, but more than 700 have been identified, many of which are more toxic. Part 1 of this seminar will detail results from a recent study to “chase” DBPs through the pipes of drinking water distribution systems, which reveals that your exposure depends where you live relative to the plant. Part 2 will cover our recent work investigating impacts of urban wildfires on drinking water. Part 3 will detail a Forcing Factors Study conducted across the U.S. where we determined the main DBP drivers of toxicity in drinking water. Finally, we offer some treatment solutions to make water safer.