Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA)
Dibromoacetic acid is a brominated member of the HAA5 group (group limit 60 ppb); the EPA has not set an individual health goal for it.
Health Effects
One of the brominated haloacetic acids; associated with an increased cancer risk in long-term studies and reported as part of the HAA5 and HAA9 groups. The risk is chronic and lifetime rather than acute.
Common Sources
- Byproduct of disinfecting drinking water with chlorine
- Formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter such as decaying leaves, runoff, and algae
- Elevated when the source water contains naturally occurring bromide
Is your Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) result safe? Get a free reading
Upload your tap water report (PDF or a photo) and we'll email you a plain-English explanation of each contaminant and level — free. Educational only, no medical claims.
Your upload also helps us keep local water data accurate — we only ever share anonymized, area-level summaries.
Upload my testHow to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA):
Get Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) Updates
Research updates, regulation changes, and filter recommendations — in your inbox.
Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
Where is Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) Found?
Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) has been detected above EPA health guidelines in 439 cities serving 4.1M people across the US.
and 434 more cities
Contaminant Type
Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) is classified as a Disinfection Byproducts contaminant.
Related Disinfection Byproducts Contaminants
Check Your Water
Find out if Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) is in your tap water.
Search cities for Dibromoacetic Acid (DBA) dataTest Your Water for This Contaminant
Public water reports may not test frequently enough or at your specific tap. Professional home testing provides current, location-specific results.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$269
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$829
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Tap Score
Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test
$275
Tests for disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water treatment.
Stay Informed About Your Water Quality
Get EPA reports, filter recommendations, and safety alerts for your area.
Weekly water-quality guidance for your area. Unsubscribe anytime.