Trihalomethane levels in Irish drinking water too high, European court rules

The Republic of Ireland has failed to take measures to ensure that levels of trihalomethanes (THMs) in its drinking water fall within EU safety levels, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled.

THMs are compounds that are formed by a reaction between chlorine-based disinfectants and the organic matter in the water, such as bacteria and plant material. They are often present in drinking water, particularly in water treatment systems that use chlorine to eliminate bacteria and contaminants. However, long-term exposure could pose risks to human health and the environment.