Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) are a byproduct of chlorinating water that contains natural organics. These organics derived from decaying plant materials. According to John Capece, Ph.D.,a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency survey discovered that trihalomethanes are present in virtually all chlorinated water supplies. Chloramines are the result of ammoniating chlorine applied to drinking water to reduce production of trihalomethanes. Chloramine exists as three different forms or species: monochloramine (NH2Cl), dichloramine (NHCl2) and trichloramine (NCl3). They are chemically related and are easily converted into each other; thus, they are more appropriately called chloramines.The three species of chloramine constantly and rapidly shift from one form to another. The species that predominates is dependent on pH, temperature, turbulence, and the chlorine to ammonia ratio.
