Is EBMUD making any long-term changes to address THMs?

NOW 
To address this challenge, the District has increased water quality sampling, implemented operational changes and a new flushing program. EBMUD is testing THM removal technologies through a pilot aeration system at the Lafayette Water Treatment Plant. In addition, infrastructure upgrades designed to lower THMs are already underway.

The District is currently flushing pipes in areas most affected by these conditions. Flushing removes sediment and mineral deposits, and helps maintain a chlorine residual within the distribution system to ensure the delivery of high quality water to customers. Customers in Orinda and Berkeley have been notified via Nextdoor about flushing in their neighborhoods.

SHORT TERM  
This past November, EBMUD configured a pilot water treatment facility to test new treatment processes, doses and configurations. EBMUD is using this testing facility to evaluate different coagulants and filter configurations to address these water quality challenges.

EBMUD is also considering accelerating plans that are already underway, including pretreatment and disinfection modifications at our in-line water treatment plants. Our five-year capital improvement plans include reliability and improvement projects at several inline water treatment plants, which will reduce disinfection byproducts significantly.

LONG TERM 
Ultimately, major changes to treatment processes may be required to deal with changes due to reduced water consumption, higher temperatures and higher concentrations of natural organic carbon in raw water. These changes are significant, and would require a major investment by EBMUD.