ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell University water system currently complies with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards, including the standards for haloacetic acids, based on May 2003 testing results, reports James Grieger of the university's Department of Environmental Health and Safety.

The EPA maximum contamination limit for haloacetic acids is a rolling annual average (RAA) of 60 parts per billion (ppb). Cornell's current RAA is 49 ppb. The current quarterly average is 38 ppb.

Water-quality tests in December 2002 and February 2003 showed that Cornell's drinking water exceeded the EPA's standard for haloacetic acids (HAA5). University officials worked quickly to diagnose the problem and, with New York State Department of Health approval, implemented modifications to bring the system into compliance.

The May test results confirm that these adjustments to the disinfection process were successful. An ongoing monitoring program is being conducted under the supervision of state officials to assure continued compliance.

HAA5 is created when water is disinfected during the treatment process. Drinking water is taken from the raw water source and processed in the Cornell water filtration plant. Settling basins and filters within the plant are used in conjunction with a disinfecting agent to make safe drinking water. Liquid chlorine is used to disinfect the water. When the chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the water, HAA5 is a byproduct.

The EPA began regulating HAA5 in January 2002. Cornell monitors HAA5 levels by taking quarterly samples from four locations in the water distribution system. For more information, contact Grieger at (607) 255-8200.