Haloacetic acids (HAA5) are the unintended byproducts of chlorine disinfection of drinking water. Unfortunately, while disinfection is important for controlling bacteria and other pathogens, long term exposure to HAA5 has been linked to harmful health effects related to pregnancy and cancer. Installing the right filtration systems can help keep your drinking water safe.

Haloacetic acids or HAAs/HAA5 are a group of five disinfection by-products (DBPs) that are created when chlorine and/or chloramine react with naturally occurring organic matter found in certain water supplies during treatment. The resulting HAA5 compounds include:

If you have been issued a notice or are concerned that haloacetic acids may be in your drinking water, there are several options for filtering water at home. Always be sure to check that the device you choose is actually certified to remove HAA5. NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 53 cover HAA5 removal.

Yes, reverse osmosis filters have been shown to reduce HAA5. While expensive, they typically remove more contaminants than other filters.

Yes, activated carbon can reduce HAA5 levels in tap water.

Depending on the type of technology the pitcher uses (such as those with activated carbon filters), point-of-use filters–like the Brita–can reduce HAA5 in water.

No, UV filters will not remove HAA5. While UV filters may be used as an alternative to chlorine during central water treatment to avoid the creation of HAA5, it will not remove HAA5 already in the water system.

No, boiling water will not reduce HAA5.