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Disinfection byproducts — TTHM, HAA5, bromate, chlorite.

The federal Disinfection Byproducts framework spans two subparts of 40 CFR 141. Stage 1 DBPR (Subpart L, §§ 141.130–141.135) sets MCLs for TTHM and HAA5 and MRDLs for disinfectants. Stage 2 DBPR (Subpart V, §§ 141.620–141.629) layers locational running annual average (LRAA) compliance at distribution system sites. Every CCR must disclose DBP detections and the MCL/MCLG for each regulated byproduct under § 141.153(d)(4).

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Key MCLs

Verified against eCFR § 141.64 on 2026-04-18.

Disinfection byproduct MCLs are codified in Subpart G (§ 141.64). Monitoring, compliance, and treatment-technique rules live in Subparts L and V. Click through for the authoritative text.

§ 141.64(b)
0.080 mg/L (80 μg/L)
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)
§ 141.64(b)
0.060 mg/L (60 μg/L)
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
§ 141.64(a)
See § 141.64(a)
Bromate
§ 141.64(a)
See § 141.64(a)
Chlorite

Bromate and chlorite MCLs and their compliance-determination methods are in § 141.64(a). We do not publish bromate/chlorite numeric values on this page — the compliance table has nuance around running annual averages that is best read directly from the eCFR.

Stage 1 DBPR · Subpart L

§§ 141.130–141.135.

Stage 1 DBPR is the foundation for DBP compliance. TTHM and HAA5 running-annual-average compliance, disinfectant residual MRDLs, and TOC-removal treatment technique for surface water systems.

§ 141.130

General requirements

Purpose and applicability of Stage 1 DBPR. Covers community water systems and non-transient non-community water systems that add a disinfectant (other than UV) or deliver water that has been disinfected.

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§ 141.131

Analytical requirements

Approved analytical methods for TTHM, HAA5, bromate, chlorite, chlorine, chloramine, chlorine dioxide, total organic carbon (TOC), and specific UV absorbance (SUVA).

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§ 141.132

Monitoring requirements

Sampling schedules and locations for TTHM, HAA5, bromate (systems using ozone), chlorite (systems using chlorine dioxide), TOC, and disinfectant residuals.

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§ 141.133

Compliance requirements

Running annual average calculation and reporting for MCL and MRDL compliance determinations under Stage 1.

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§ 141.134

Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

Quarterly or annual reporting to the primacy agency. Record retention for sampling results, system operation reports, and compliance determinations.

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§ 141.135

Treatment technique for control of DBP precursors

TOC removal requirements for subpart H (surface water) systems using conventional filtration treatment. Step 1 and Step 2 enhanced-coagulation percent-removal matrices by source-water TOC and alkalinity.

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Stage 2 DBPR · Subpart V

§§ 141.620–141.629 — LRAA compliance at IDSE sites.

Stage 2 tightens the DBPR by requiring compliance at specific locational running annual average (LRAA) sites selected through the Initial Distribution System Evaluation (Subpart U). It is additive to Subpart L, not a replacement.

§ 141.620

General requirements

Purpose, applicability, and compliance-date schedule for Stage 2 DBPR. Governs locational running annual average (LRAA) compliance at distribution system sites.

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§ 141.621

Routine monitoring

Routine LRAA monitoring locations selected by an Initial Distribution System Evaluation (IDSE) under Subpart U, with frequency determined by system size and source type.

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§ 141.622

Subpart V monitoring plan

Required monitoring plan content — sampling locations, frequency, sample collection protocols, and the rationale for each site.

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§ 141.623

Reduced monitoring

Eligibility criteria for reduced sampling frequency after a system demonstrates stable compliance at Stage 2 LRAA sites.

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§ 141.624

Additional requirements for consecutive systems

Special provisions for consecutive systems that receive treated water from a wholesaler — notification, coordinated monitoring, and joint compliance determinations.

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§ 141.625

Conditions requiring increased monitoring

Triggers that bump a system from reduced back to routine or increased monitoring, including LRAA exceedances and significant operational changes.

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§ 141.626

Operational evaluation levels

Operational evaluation requirement when TTHM or HAA5 running-average exceeds the operational evaluation level at any LRAA site. Evaluation must identify the cause and planned mitigation.

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§ 141.627

Requirements for remaining on reduced TTHM and HAA5 monitoring

Conditions under which a system can remain on reduced monitoring based on its Subpart L results.

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§ 141.628

Requirements for increased TTHM and HAA5 monitoring

Conditions under which a system must return to increased monitoring based on its Subpart L results.

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§ 141.629

Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

Reporting to the primacy agency for Stage 2 LRAA compliance determinations, monitoring-plan updates, and operational evaluation submittals.

Read on eCFR →
Related

DBPs in your Consumer Confidence Report.

Every CCR that detects a DBP must disclose the detection level, range, sampling date, likely source, and the MCL/MCLG in the detected-contaminants table (§ 141.153(d)(4)). TTHM and HAA5 are the most commonly-reported DBPs. See our Consumer Confidence Report guide for the section-by-section walkthrough, or draft your own on the CCR Agent.

Disinfection Byproducts

Compute your TTHM and HAA5 running averages — with audit trail.

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Agent-native · SOC 2 roadmap · 5-year retention (§ 141.155(h) requires 3 min.)