Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) are toxic chemicals formed when disinfectants come in contact with organic pollutants, like manure runoff. They are linked to increased risks of bladder and colorectal cancer, as well as low birth weights, stillbirths, and birth defects. Water systems that have even a low level of TTHM's are a major threat to public health.
We are reaching out in the hopes that you will consider covering the impacts of manure runoff on Texas drinking water systems.
According to a recent report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), between 2019 and 2023, over 122 million people drank water with unsafe levels of trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which are toxic, cancer-causing chemicals formed when disinfectants come in contact with organic pollutants. TTHMs can also result in low birth weights, stillbirths, and birth defects.
Nearly 6,000 water systems across 49 states and Washington, D.C. were impacted during this period of time, meaning that they had at least one instance of TTHM concentration exceeding EPA limits. And more than 700 of the contaminated water systems were in Texas—the highest number of any state.
The main culprit of these chemicals is large factory farms, as their excess manure ends up in the rivers, lakes, and streams that provide millions of Texans with their drinking water.
Here is a link to the report summary: https://bit.ly/4jrHfS2
We hope you will inform the public about this pressing problem. Thank you for your consideration!