WSU water supply breached maximum level for THMs

The Physical Plant announced in an email that the campus water supply has breached the maximum containment level for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs).

The maximum containment level lies at 0.080 mg/L, and the university's water supply breached at a level of 0.088 mg/L.

THMs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), occur due to a reaction between naturally occurring organic and inorganic materials and disinfectants in water, like chlorine and chloramine.

The effects of THM consumption above the maximum listed in the email include the potential of liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems, as well as an increased risk of cancer. However, these effects will require consistent consumption over many years to develop.

The water supply might not drop below the maximum level for several quarters.

Physical Plant stated that students do not need to use alternate sources of water if on campus, but encourage students with health issues to consult their doctor.

Jonathan Bowers, senior Biology major, believes the levels aren’t high enough to cause panic.

“I’m not concerned, because the levels are only slightly above what they should be, and I feel like it could be a test fluke, or caused by the soil WSU sits on,” Bowers said.

Emily Swayne, junior Psychology major, believes that she does not drink the water enough to have an effect.

“I don’t know enough about it to be concerned,” Swayne said. “If it takes many years to have an effect, I don’t really drink the water enough for it to affect me.”