Discovery of New Water Treatment Byproduct Raises Concerns

A recent study has revealed that approximately one-third of U.S. residents have been receiving tap water containing a newly identified chemical byproduct. This discovery has prompted scientists to investigate the potential toxicity of the substance, known as «chloronitramide anion.»

This compound is a byproduct formed when water is treated with chloramine, a common disinfectant made by combining chlorine and ammonia. Chloramine is widely used in municipal water treatment systems to neutralize viruses and bacteria. According to researchers, the existence of the chloronitramide anion was first noted around 40 years ago, but it was only recently identified due to advancements in analytical techniques.

David Wahman, a research environmental engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency and one of the study’s authors, noted, «It has similarity to other toxic molecules. We looked for it in 40 samples from 10 chlorinated drinking water systems in seven states. We did find it in all samples.» Wahman further explained that chloronitramide anion is likely present in all drinking water treated with chloramine due to its formation as chloramine decays over time.

The potential health implications of this byproduct are currently unknown, as the compound has not been studied before. Researchers are keen to establish whether chloronitramide anion poses a risk to public health, given its structural similarities to other known toxic chemicals and its widespread occurrence. «It’s a pretty small molecule, and it can probably enter biological systems and cells,» said David Reckhow, a research professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, who was not involved in the study.

Julian Fairey, the lead author of the study and an associate professor at the University of Arkansas, elaborated that while they have now managed to formulate high concentrations of the chemical for lab testing, determining its toxicological relevance will require extensive research. «Now, we can go about the hard work of trying to figure out its toxicological relevance,» Fairey noted, pointing out that some cancer cases linked to treated drinking water remain unexplained.

The process of studying the potential toxicity of chloronitramide anion and its regulation could take years. Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, estimated, «It’s a lot – probably a decade of research once a funding source is found.»

This revelation has renewed discussions about the potential health impacts of disinfectants used in water treatment. Though chloramine is preferred over chlorine due to fewer regulated byproducts, its safety as a disinfection process is now being questioned. «This study really calls into question whether or not this disinfection process is safer from a health perspective,» asserted David Andrews, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group.

In response, water utilities are advised to monitor ongoing research closely. «You do what you can to minimize,» said Reckhow. Current water purification methods, like those involving carbon filters, have some potential to reduce exposure to disinfection byproducts, but more research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.