Bromate

Bromate is a colorless to a light-colored chemical compound with chemical formula BrO−3. Bromates are chemical compounds with the bromate anion. Sodium bromate and potassium bromate are some of the examples of bromates. Bromate is denser than water and slightly soluble in water. In municipal water systems, the reaction of ozone and bromide can cause the formation of bromate.

The chemical compound is an intermediate used to produce other chemicals. The tasteless substance is a disinfectant by-product that can quickly enter water supplies due to the ozone’s reaction to bromide in the drinking water.

The health issues associated with bromate in drinking water include nervous system damages and kidney problems. Since bromate is a human carcinogen, drinking water with bromate may increase the risk of getting cancer. Children and pregnant women exposed to bromate in drinking water are vulnerable to developmental problems. Exposure to the contaminant in your tap water may also lead to hearing problems.

The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for bromate in drinking water is ten ppb. The EPA suggests to municipal drinking water suppliers to follow the set standard to avoid the adverse effects of bromate to human health.

The recommended filtration techniques to remove bromate from drinking water to below the MCL of 10 ppb include the use of granular activated carbon (GAC) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system. These are effective in eliminating bromate from the drinking water. They can also catch other contaminants before they can get through the faucet so you can protect your loved ones from the pollutants in your tap water.