HAA5 In Sarasota’s Drinking Water

Sarasota’s 2023 Water Quality Report reported HAA5 in the tap water. The levels reported ranged between 7.73-13.6 parts-per-billion, which are under the maximum contaminant level of 60. 

Haloacetic acids (HAA5) are common disinfection byproducts that can form in Sarasota’s tap water during municipal water treatment. While disinfection is essential to eliminate pathogens, it can also create harmful contaminants that pose a risk to health, especially over long periods. HAA5 is one of the most studied of these treatment byproducts, and understanding its presence is crucial for any Sarasota homeowner seeking quality drinking water.

HAA5 refers to five regulated haloacetic acids found in American drinking water:

Other closely related acidHaloacetic acids include bromochloroacetic acid, bromodichloroacetic acid, chlorodibromoacetic acid, and tribromoacetic acid, which are often found alongside the main five compounds in small quantities.

These acids form when disinfectants like chlorine or chloramine react with natural organic matter (e.g., from urban runoff, decaying vegetation, or septic tanks) present in source water. As a byproduct of drinking water disinfection, HAA5 is commonly monitored and regulated under federal health-based drinking water standards.

Tap water provided by the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority is treated to meet microbiological safety standards. It draws from surface water like the Peace River and groundwater from Manatee County wellfields, then sends it through disinfection processes that include chlorination and chloramination.

However, these same processes result in HAA5 formation when organic material is present. According to the City of Sarasota’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, HAA5 levels occasionally approach the Legal Limit of 60 ppb, especially during warmer months when urban stormwater runoff and fertilizer chemicals increase organic content.

The report also notes contaminants in tap water such as barium, vanadium, and strontium, which can interact with treatment chemicals to create even more undesirable elements. While current levels comply with federal government standards, they may still exceed EWG-selected health guidelines, designed to represent optimal levels rather than just legally acceptable limits.

The EPA classifies dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid as possible human carcinogens. Animal studies indicate a risk of cancer, liver toxicity, and reproductive and developmental issues with long-term exposure. Certain HAA5 compounds may also affect bone health, fetal growth, and even cardiovascular disease risk.

Additional drinking water contaminants like vinyl chloride, methylene chloride, 1,1-Dichloroethylene, and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane have also been detected in Florida’s groundwater in trace amounts, according to the History database of water testing. Even in small concentrations, these chemicals exceed the one-in-one-million lifetime cancer risk level recommended by some health experts.

Other risks include:

Monitoring and Testing in Sarasota

Knowing what’s in your water allows you to make an informed decision. There are multiple ways Sarasota residents can stay on top of water safety:

Not all water filters can handle disinfection byproducts like HAA5. At Culligan of Sarasota, we provide top-rated filters and advanced water treatment solutions tailored to local water profiles:

Culligan Reverse Osmosis System

Ion Exchange Systems

Whether you rely on bottled water, want clean tap water, or are looking to improve your ice makers and appliances, our systems deliver best-quality drinking water without the guesswork.

From Lake Manatee to downtown Sarasota and up through Manatee County, regional water infrastructure is under pressure. Factors like gas extraction activities, hydraulic fracturing, and urban development contribute to increasing levels of contamination – discharge and contaminants above health guidelines.

Even if your water receives a passing grade, these tests often reflect annual averages, not daily variations. Sarasota’s warm climate, coupled with urban stormwater runoff, can quickly elevate disinfection byproducts and harmful chemicals between reports.

Safeguarding your health starts with understanding your drinking water quality and acting when levels approach the health risk limit.

Protect Your Home With Local Water Experts

The Culligan Man has been a trusted name in water purification for generations. Whether you want to improve tooth decay prevention, protect your plumbing, or ensure water is safe for infants and pets—we’re here to help.