Operator terms · Water
What are disinfection byproducts (DBPs)?
Disinfection byproducts, or DBPs, are compounds that form when a disinfectant like chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in water. Some are regulated because of health concerns at high levels. Operators balance enough disinfection to keep water safe against limiting the organic matter that forms DBPs.
Last reviewed 2026-08-03
How they form
When chlorine meets the natural organic matter in source water, it can create byproducts. More organic matter and more chlorine mean more DBPs.
The operator balance
Disinfection has to be strong enough to keep water safe, but operators also remove organic matter earlier so fewer DBPs form. It is a balance, not a trade-off of safety.
Common questions
- What causes DBPs?
- A disinfectant like chlorine reacting with natural organic matter in water.
- Are they regulated?
- Some are, because of health concerns at high levels.
- How are they reduced?
- By removing organic matter before disinfection, not by under-disinfecting.