Dibromoacetic acid is a byproduct formed when chlorine disinfectants react with organic matter in water. It's commonly found in chlorinated drinking water supplies.

Dibromoacetic acid is one of several haloacetic acids that form when chlorine-based disinfectants interact with naturally occurring organic matter in water. It's part of a larger group called disinfection byproducts (DBPs). The EPA regulates dibromoacetic acid under the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, measuring it in micrograms per liter (μg/L). While there are potential health concerns associated with long-term exposure to DBPs, water utilities work to minimize their formation through improved treatment processes.