Aqua water(Chuluota, Fl) to tap: 103 tthm (max of 80 is considered safe by DEP)
Aqua through our home whole house system: 2.13
Aqua/whole home filter/ through our sink tap reverse osmosis: ~0

The article above states the EPA’s maximum contaminant guideline for trihalomethane (TTHMs) compounds is 80 parts per billion, so your water system is over the guidelines. The boil orders usually have to do with concern over bacteria in the drinking water due to any number of reasons (a break in the line, contamination at the source, chlorine treatment of the water failed for some reason, etc.)

As stated in the article, chlorine is a substance that is used to disinfect drinking water and TTHMs form when the chlorine comes into contact with organic material in the water. Since bacteria can cause acute toxic effects, your water company must be very careful to make sure the drinking water is disinfected. When it’s not - you get a boil order. I would guess that your system is one that uses a lake, a reservoir and/or a river for one of its water sources (the organic matter source).

I also imagine your water company would love to do something about this issue - unfortunately filtration systems or other systems that would help solve the problem are very expensive. They may not be able to afford a fix and may be aware that at this time further rate increases would be prohibitive. I would suggest that you contact your water company to find out what are the issues and if there’s a way you can help.

Also - your water company informs you of boil orders and when the level of TTHMs (or any other contaminate that is monitored in drinking water) exceed the maximum contaminate level - so the community is being protected - they are being told when the water is not safe to drink.

The EPA has stated that the amount of TTHMs that one can ingest by breathing is minimal and not a danger - but you are having to boil water, so it may be more of a factor for you depending on how often and how much water you boil. I would suggest you talk to your local health provider.

Hope this helps! You can get more information about TTHMs from the EPA’s website.

I am concerned, as this problem has gone on for a few years, and we are constantly receiving water notices, including boil water before drinking it. I am concerned about not only the safety of drinking the water, but breathing the water. The water company will not do anything for us. We are buying bottled water, but what else can we, as homeowners and residents, to protect ourselves, our children, the pregnant women and the sick and elderly of our community? And, how concerned should we be?