Sea water is naturally high in bromide and contains bacteria that require disinfection. The chlorine reacts with bromine for form bromine, which contributes along with the chlorine to disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). This is what’s happening right now is Louisiana as the combination of drought and rising sea levels has pushed salt water into the Mississippi River.
This is a significant risk for water systems near the shoreline on Whidbey Island, and why state and county take sea water intrusion seriously.
