Trihalomethane formation potential of six Ohio water service reservoirs

Abstract

Trihalomethane formation potential of six reservoirs was investigated along with related water parameters (TOC, SOC, TSI, HA and COND). This was done to better understand the relationship between constituents of potable water and levels of chlorinated organics in the finished water. Trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) was variable with season and between lakes. The greatest THMFP occured in Lake Girard, and the least was in Lake Evans. Lakes McKelvey and Evans had similar levels of organic carbon, but the THMFP was greater in McKelvey. The percentage of the organic carbon in the form of dissolved humic and fulvic acids was greatest for Lake McKelvey. Although dissolved humic substances were greater in the inflow and hypolimnion than the epilimnion and outflow, no significant differences in THMFP were detected between any of the different sampling locations. There was no correlation between THMFP and organic carbon content, the only weak correlation between THMFP and lake trophic state. Humic acid was correlated with THMFP, but not well enough to use as a reliable surrogate parameter.