The Hidden Risk in 90 Percent of America’s Drinking Water—And How to Reduce It

In the United States, 90 percent of Americans get the water they need from public drinking water systems that harbor disinfection byproducts, most of which are unregulated and understudied.

Disinfection byproducts form as a result of chemical treatments that water companies use to keep water free of dangerous pathogens. Some byproducts may increase the risk of cancer.