Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed when disinfectants such as chlorine and chloramines react with natural organic matter in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates some DBPs, such as total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5), to minimize their health risks. A challenge faced in drinking water disinfection is to protect the public from waterborne diseases while reducing public exposure to DBPs.
