Dichloroacetic Acid

Dichloroacetic acid is a byproduct formed when chlorine disinfectants react with organic matter in water. It's linked to liver issues and increased cancer risk.

Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) forms when chlorine-based disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water during treatment. It's one of several haloacetic acids monitored in drinking water. DCA levels are typically measured in parts per billion (ppb). While chlorination is crucial for eliminating harmful pathogens, it can create these unintended byproducts. Water utilities strive to balance effective disinfection with minimizing DCA formation through various treatment techniques and source water management practices.

People affected
201M
Utilities with this contaminant
19.6K
States with this contaminant
40

Utilities with the highest levels of this contaminant

UtilityService AreasLevelPopulation Served
CR
Creswell Heights Jt Auth
Beaver County, PA

903.418 ppb

15,000

View
MI
Middletown City
Middletown (C), NY

49.000 ppb

30,000

View
OR
Orangeburg Dpu (Sc3810001)
Orangeburg, SC

34.836 ppb

46,896

View
BL
Bloomfield Water Department
Bloomfield Town-0702, NJ

32.619 ppb

47,315

View
OK
Okmulgee
Okmulgee County, OK

29.642 ppb

13,495

View
CI
City Of Beeville
Bee County, TX

28.873 ppb

12,793

View
CI
City Of Port Neches
Jefferson County, TX

27.851 ppb

14,994

View
JO
Joint Base Anacostia - Bolling
DC

26.600 ppb

17,201

View
CL
Claremore
Rogers County, OK

26.512 ppb

15,873

View
OT
Ottawa, City Of
Ottawa, KS

26.303 ppb

12,604

View

Sources