What is the maximum TOC level a public water system can have to avoid treatment requirements?

The correct maximum level of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) that a public water system can have to avoid additional treatment requirements is 2.0 mg/L. TOC is a key parameter used to assess water quality and potential contamination that can lead to the formation of harmful disinfection by-products when chlorine is used as a disinfectant.

Regulations set specific thresholds for TOC to ensure that water systems maintain high quality and safety standards. If TOC levels in a public water system exceed this threshold, the system is generally required to implement additional treatment measures to reduce the organic carbon concentration. This may involve processes such as activated carbon filtration or other advanced treatment methods aimed at lowering TOC levels to ensure compliance and protect public health.

Values above this threshold indicate a greater risk of formation of disinfection by-products and require more stringent treatment protocols to mitigate health risks, which is why the limit is set at 2.0 mg/L for avoiding these treatment requirements. Maintaining TOC levels beneath this limit simplifies regulatory compliance and helps ensure that the water provided to the public is safe for consumption.