HAA5 Contamination

HAA5 in Utah Drinking Water

Ranked by average HAA5 concentration (µg/L) · UCMR 4 data (2018–2020) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Exceeds Limit

% Exceeds Limit

10.2 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 1% vs national

vs National

150

Health Violations

Analysis

HAA5 in Utah: what the data shows

Utah has 45 cities with HAA5 monitoring data from the EPA's UCMR 4 program (2018–2020). Haloacetic acids (HAA5) form when chlorine-based disinfectants react with natural organic matter in water. The state average is 10.2 µg/L — better than the 15.5 µg/L national average. No cities currently exceed the 60 µg/L EPA MCL. HAA5 is a group of five chlorinated and brominated acetic acids. Long-term exposure above the MCL is associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive outcomes. The EPA classifies total HAA5 as a probable human carcinogen at elevated concentrations. Activated carbon filtration (especially granular or block carbon) is effective at reducing HAA5. Running water through a refrigerator filter or letting it sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes also helps, as some HAA5 species are volatile. Boiling does not remove disinfection byproducts and may concentrate them.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 60 µg/L EPA MCL

Utah

0 of 45 cities

← ▼ 1% below national rate (better)

National avg

23 of 4420 cities

City Map

HAA5 data across Utah

Each dot is a city with UCMR 4 HAA5 testing data. Cities where average HAA5 exceeded the 60 µg/L EPA MCL are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by haa5 level in Utah

Highest HAA5 levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Utah cities ranked by haa5 level

#	City	Level	Exceeds?	Violations	Grade
1	Draper	42.6 µg/L	No	18	F
2	East Carbon	30.8 µg/L	No	6	B
3	South Jordan	27.1 µg/L	No	4	C+
4	Salt Lake City	23.6 µg/L	No	26	F
5	West Jordan	23.3 µg/L	No	7	C+
6	Ogden	21.4 µg/L	No	5	F
7	Bluffdale	20.6 µg/L	No	7	C
8	Brigham City	19.2 µg/L	No	14	C-
9	Sandy	19.1 µg/L	No	13	F
10	Kearns	18.9 µg/L	No	6	B
11	Magna	16.6 µg/L	No	1	B+
12	Bountiful	14.0 µg/L	No	9	D
13	Herriman	13.1 µg/L	No	13	D+
14	Syracuse	11.9 µg/L	No	3	B-
15	Park City	11.7 µg/L	No	10	F
16	North Salt Lake	11.0 µg/L	No	4	C-
17	Orem	10.2 µg/L	No	76	F
18	Farr West	10.2 µg/L	No	7	B-
19	Eagle Mountain	10.1 µg/L	No	25	D
20	Coalville	9.9 µg/L	No	21	F
21	Roy	9.8 µg/L	No	1	B-
22	St George City	8.9 µg/L	No	4	B+
23	Clinton	8.6 µg/L	No	9	C+
24	Kaysville	8.6 µg/L	No	7	C+
25	Riverton	8.5 µg/L	No	1	B+
26	Santa Clara	6.9 µg/L	No	0	B+
27	Hurricane	6.1 µg/L	No	8	C+
28	Layton	5.8 µg/L	No	1	A-
29	Heber City	5.5 µg/L	No	34	F
30	Montua	5.1 µg/L	No	7	B-
31	Elwood	4.5 µg/L	No	8	B-
32	Springville	2.6 µg/L	No	8	C
33	Provo	2.2 µg/L	No	45	D
34	Saratoga Springs	1.8 µg/L	No	16	F
35	North Ogden	1.6 µg/L	No	13	D
36	Hyrum	1.4 µg/L	No	0	A
37	Cedar City	1.3 µg/L	No	115	F
38	Lehi	1.0 µg/L	No	17	F
39	Payson	1.0 µg/L	No	19	D
40	Tooele	0.9 µg/L	No	5	F
41	Smithfield	0.6 µg/L	No	3	F
42	Spanish Fork	0.4 µg/L	No	26	F
43	Plain City	0.1 µg/L	No	2	B
44	West Haven	0.1 µg/L	No	2	B+
45	Wellsville	0.0 µg/L	No	16	D+

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about haa5 in Utah

What is HAA5 and why does it appear in Utah tap water?

HAA5 (haloacetic acids) are disinfection byproducts that form when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. They are a normal byproduct of the disinfection process that makes water safe to drink. No cities in Utah currently exceed the 60 µg/L EPA MCL. The state average is 10.2 µg/L.

How can I reduce HAA5 exposure from Utah drinking water?

Activated carbon filters (granular or block) effectively reduce HAA5. Refrigerator filters and under-sink carbon systems are convenient options. Unlike lead or PFAS, HAA5 levels can also be reduced by letting water stand in an open container, as some species evaporate. Boiling does NOT remove HAA5 and can concentrate them by reducing water volume.

Which Utah cities have the highest HAA5 levels?

The cities with the highest average HAA5 concentrations in Utah are: Draper (42.6 µg/L), East Carbon (30.8 µg/L), South Jordan (27.1 µg/L), Salt Lake City (23.6 µg/L), West Jordan (23.3 µg/L). Note: this data is from UCMR 4 testing (2018–2020) and may not reflect current levels.

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