Drinking water back to normal | Environment

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WECT) – The water in Carolina Beach is safe to drink, not that it was necessarily a danger in the first place.

The town had until June 30, 2012 to bring its yearly average of total trihalomethanes, a dissipated byproduct of chlorine mixing with water. The town notified residents of the elevated levels when the issue was first reported in 2011, but added that above average amounts of trihalomethanes is not an immediate risk.

Regular testing showed the problem, so the town submitted a comprehensive plan to lower the average level, according to Public Utilities Director Gene Gurganious.

The solution was a two-sided approach. First, reduce the amount of chlorine added to the water in order to create less trihalomethanes. Second, flush the water system more often so there is less time for the byproduct to form.

Though trihalomethanes do not pose immediate danger, the town advised residents in a letter that sustained use for several years could result in kidney, liver or central nervous system problems.

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