Richard Arconti 
Chloroform – a colorless liquid with a notorious past as an anesthetic – has found its way into an unexpected place: our drinking water. This revelation raises important questions about water quality and safety. How did chloroform end up in our taps? What are the potential risks associated with its presence?
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the mysterious world of chloroform in water, exploring its sources, implications, and the measures in place to address this concern.
Key Takeaways
- Chloroform is highly dissolvable in water, which allows the chemical to easily enter our groundwater supply.
- Chloroform enters our tap water as an unwanted result of treatment plants adding chlorine to the water, or through wastewater contamination and wastewater storage spills.
- Chloroform is classified as a probable carcinogen that increases the occurrence of colon, liver, kidney, and urinary bladder cancer if exposed to high levels over time. It also negatively impacts the central nervous system.
- The best water filter to remove chloroform from water is granular activated carbon (GAC) or a reverse osmosis system. GAC filters use a porous structure to absorb contaminants, while a RO membrane blocks contaminants from passing through.
- The only method to accurately detect chloroform (Trichloromethane) and other disinfection byproducts is to use a certified lab test kit for your tap water.
What Is Chloroform?
Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane, is a fascinating chemical compound that has played a significant role in various industries throughout history. It is a disinfection byproduct in the trihalomethanes group that often occurs in tap water treated with chlorine. This common contaminant is one of the four chloromethanes that exist today. Also known as trichloromethane, methane chloride, or methyl trichloride, chloroform is a colorless liquid with the formula CHCl3.
The main contributor of chloroform in the environment is the industrial sector. However, it is essential to note that chloroform will only undergo combustion or burning when exposed to very high temperatures.
In the past, chloroform gained fame as an anesthetic during surgeries, making it a game-changer in the medical field. However, its use as an anesthetic has dwindled due to concerns about potential health risks associated with its long-term use.
| Chemical Symbol | CHCI3 |
| Maximum Contaminant Level | EPA MCLG: 0.07 PPM |
| Health Effects | Nervous System, Reproductive System, Kidney Damage |
| Treatment Methods | Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Reverse Osmosis, Distillation |
How Does Chloroform Get Into Drinking Water?
Chloroform can find its way into our water source through various pathways. Let’s explore the key sources and pathways through which chloroform can contaminate our water supply.
- Wastewater treatment plants. Chloroform can be introduced into water sources through sewage treatment plants. When wastewater containing chloroform from various domestic and industrial sources is treated, residual amounts of the compound can remain in the treated water. If this water is discharged into rivers, lakes, or other water bodies, chloroform may be carried into the water supply.
- Disinfection byproducts: Disinfectants like chlorine are commonly used when disinfecting water for drinking purposes. However, when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water, disinfection byproducts, including chloroform, can be formed. These byproducts can contaminate the water supply, including surface and groundwater sources.
- Industrial and chemical processes. Chloroform can be a byproduct of various industrial and chemical processes. Chemical companies, paper mills, and other industrial facilities that handle or produce chlorine-containing compounds may release chloroform into the environment. If these facilities are located near water sources or discharge their waste into water bodies, chloroform can enter the water supply through contamination.
- Improper waste management. Improper disposal or inadequate management of chloroform waste can contribute to its presence in the water. Suppose waste materials that contain chloroform, such as specific chemical compounds or products, are not correctly handled. In that case, they can leach into the soil or find their way into water bodies, ultimately contaminating the water supply.
What Are The Potential Health Effects Of Chloroform?
Exposure to chloroform can have potential health effects. It is essential to understand these risks to ensure the well-being of individuals who may come into contact with chloroform-contaminated water. Here are some of the potential health effects associated with chloroform exposure:
- Central nervous system effects. Chloroform is known to affect the central nervous system. Prolonged exposure or high levels of chloroform may lead to dizziness, confusion, headaches, and in severe cases, even unconsciousness. Individuals with pre-existing neurological conditions may be more susceptible to these effects.
- Kidney damage. Studies suggest a correlation between long-term exposure to chloroform and kidney damage. High concentrations of chloroform in drinking water have been associated with increased risks of kidney dysfunction, including kidney injury and impaired renal function.
- Potential carcinogenicity. Chloroform is classified as a potential human carcinogen by various regulatory agencies. Prolonged exposure to high levels of chloroform has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including liver, kidney, and bladder cancer.
- Reproductive and developmental effects. There is some evidence suggesting that chloroform exposure may have adverse effects on reproduction and development. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity, including reduced fertility and developmental abnormalities in offspring exposed to chloroform.
- Other health risks: Chloroform exposure has also been associated with respiratory issues, irritation of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, as well as gastrointestinal disturbances.
What Is The Regulatory Level Of Chloroform in Drinking Water?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-specific agencies establish the regulatory levels for chloroform in drinking water. These regulations are put in place to protect public health and ensure the safety of our water. Let’s explore the regulatory levels and additional information related to chloroform in drinking water:
The EPA has set specific guidelines for chloroform in drinking water. The maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for chloroform, which represents the maximum level that is deemed safe with no expected adverse health effects, is set at 0.07 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 70 parts per billion (ppb).
Observations For Chloroform In Water Systems
Detecting chloroform in the water systems is crucial for ensuring its safety. While visual cues may not directly reveal its presence, specific observations like the following:
- Odor. Chloroform may cause an unusual smell in tap water, although its odor threshold is relatively high.
- Taste. Chloroform can give water a slightly sweet taste, but the taste threshold is also relatively high.
- Color. Chloroform does not cause water discoloration, but it may be associated with other substances contributing to discoloration.
Hence, small amounts of water are unlikely to have a noticeable taste or smell. As a result, it is difficult to detect the presence of chloroform in your tap water by taste or smell alone.
How To Test For Chloroform In Drinking Water
Ensuring the safety of your tap water requires testing for the presence of contaminants like chloroform. Here are two common methods to test for chloroform in your water:
Certified Lab Test
The most reliable and accurate way to test for chloroform in tap water is to send a water sample to a certified laboratory. These labs specialize in water quality analysis and employ precise testing methods to detect and measure the concentration of chloroform.
I recommend the Freshnss Labs Ultimate Water Test kit that scans for harmful disinfection byproducts like chloroform along with dozens of other contaminants. The kit comes with everything you need to properly collect a sample and send it to the lab to be analyzed. Within 3 business days, you will get a report indicating the contaminants detected, any health or plumbing alerts, and the best treatment method based on your test data.
Laboratory Water Test Kit
Analyzed in a certified laboratory
Includes detailed report with EPA benchmarking and safety concerns
Check Your Water Quality Database
The EPA requires annual Water Quality Reports from utilities where consumers can access the test data for their water supply. These reports include information on chloroform levels and other contaminants found in the water supply.
You can check with your local water utility or environmental agency directly to ask them about your water quality. Their contact information should be on your utility bill or on the website.
How To Reduce Exposure To Chloroform In Drinking Water
Chloroform in our water can be a concern due to its potential health risks. To remove chloroform contamination, consider implementing the following measures:
Granular Activated Carbon
Installing a granular activated carbon filter on your tap or water treatment system can reduce chloroform levels. GAC filters have a high surface area that adsorbs and removes chloroform and other organic compounds from the water.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis is an effective water purification method that can remove many contaminants, including up to 99% of chloroform. RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to separate impurities from the water, providing clean and purified water.
These systems can be installed under your sink or in a countertop model. (or a whole house system, but those are less common). For high levels of disinfection byproducts, the RO is the ideal choice.
Boiling Water
Boiling water can help reduce the concentration of chloroform by up to 75%. However, it’s important to note that boiling alone may not eliminate all contaminants, and it is not a foolproof method. Boiling can be helpful as an additional step along with other purification methods.
How Else Can You Be Exposed To Chloroform?
Exposure to chloroform can occur through various routes:
- Breathing contaminated air and consuming contaminated foods are the primary sources of chloroform exposure for most people in the US.
- Consuming food and beverages that have been processed using chlorinated tap water, including seafood, bread, meat, dairy products, and vegetables.
- Engaging in recreational activities in a pool treated with chlorine releases chloroform vapors.
- Inhaling chloroform is present in areas like landfills and hazardous waste sites.
- Direct skin contact with water containing elevated levels of chloroform.
- Workers in specific environments, such as paper recycling or manufacturing, may also be at higher risk of chloroform exposure.
