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

Trichloroacetic acid forms during water treatment when chlorine disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter. It's one of five haloacetic acids (HAA5) routinely monitored in drinking water systems. While essential for eliminating harmful pathogens, chlorination can inadvertently create these byproducts. Water utilities work to balance effective disinfection with minimizing byproduct formation through careful treatment processes and source water management.