June Town Meeting voters will be asked to approve $1,500,000 to fund the analysis and solution of a a state drinking water violation that emerged last December.

The Department of Public Works is seeking to use $1,000,000 in borrowed funds and another $500,000 in existing departmental funds to correct the issue.

A December 7 notice informed residents that trihalomethane (TTHM) levels — a byproduct of chlorine disinfectants reacting with naturally occurring organic matter in the water — were too high. The Environmental Protection Agency standard for TTHMs is 80 parts per billion. However, the testing site at Allen Street — one of the four testing sites — registered at 81.18 ppb.

Over many years, drinking TTHMs may result in liver, kidneys, or central nervous system problems, or an increased risk of cancer.

This does not affect the whole town, but rather one water line, said DPW Director David Hickox. He explained that the four testing sites are located at the extremities of the system, where old water is likely to collect and produce contaminants. Traditionally, the system is flushed every spring and fall, but due to drought conditions last summer, the flushing program was limited, said Hickox.

While this year’s flushing program is well underway, the $1.5 million will provide a detailed analysis, and engineering for a long-term solution in accordance with the DEP, said Hickox.

Many communities are moving toward using chloramine, including neighboring New Bedford, said Hickox. The disinfectant chloramine produces less byproduct than chlorine, he said, however it is the most costly option. The $1.5 million includes the budgets for this fix, but the department will opt for the most cost-effective option based on the analysis results, said Hickox. It is not clear if the fix will have to address only the Allen Street location or the whole system.