ABSTRACT
Disinfection is used in potable water treatment processes in order to reduce pathogens to an acceptable level and thus prevent public health concerns. However, scientific evidence is mounting, suggesting that exposure to chemical by-products formed during the disinfection process may be associated with adverse health effects. Reducing the amount of disinfectant or altering the disinfection process may decrease by-product formation; however, these practices may increase the potential for microbial contamination. Therefore, at present, it is necessary for research in the areas of potable water and disinfection to balance the health risks caused by exposure to microbial pathogens with the risks caused by exposure to disinfection by-products, specifically tri-halomethanes halomethanes.
