Earlier this week we received an inquiry from 'Stuart' who asked, "I would like to test the water at home for trihalomethanes. Is this something you do and can you provide me with the associated costs."

Good afternoon, Stuart, and thank you for your inquiry.

Due to the nature of the testing and low quantities of THM's one could expect to find in drinking water, not simple at-home test kit for THM's exists -- that we know of. Testing for THM's takes place in a laboratory environment.

Companies like National Testing Laboratories offer mail-in water testing services that include testing for THM's and other disinfection byproducts. You can find links to various water testing packages from National Testing Laboratories on the following page:

FYI: As a general rule it takes about 10 business days to get test results back from NTL (National Testing Labs) and the cost of each testing package depends upon the number of different water quality parameters the kit contains.

OK, so where do THM's come from?

Trihalomethanes (THM's) fall into a classification of drinking water contaminants known as disinfection byproducts, or DBP's.  Contaminants of this nature form when disinfectants such as chlorine get added to water that contains organic matter.

As the chlorine 'goes to work' on the organic matter and sets about breaking it down, as part of the chemical interaction between the organic matter and chlorine disinfection byproducts get created.

Scientists and water experts now believe that prolonged exposure to disinfection byproducts possibly increases people's risk of developing various types of cancers.

What removes or reduces levels of THM's in drinking water?

For information on water filtration systems capable of eliminating harmful levels of THM's, we suggest taking a look at water filtration options that contain Granular Activated Carbon (often abbreviated as GAC).  You can find a number of different filter brands and types on the following sites: FilterWater.ComFiltersFast.Com and Filter-Drinking-Water.Com.