The recent discovery of a new chemical in drinking water has scientists alarmed after a new study concluded it could be potentially toxic.

The new research, published on November 21 in the Science magazine, examines the potential impact of a previously unknown chemical byproduct of chloramine that scientists have dubbed “chloronitramide anion.” Chloramine is formed by mixing chlorine and ammonia and is often used in municipal water treatment systems to kill viruses and bacteria. About a third of US residents drink tap water on the compound.

“It has similarities to other toxic molecules,” co-author and EPA research environmental engineer David Wahman told me NBC News. “We looked for it in 40 samples in 10 U.S. chlorinated drinking water systems in seven states. We found it in all the samples.”

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The existence of the chemical was first discovered about forty years ago, but today’s advanced technology now allows scientists to investigate and learn from it. Although the paper does not confirm whether the chlornitramide anion is dangerous, the researchers wanted to look at it because of its similarity to other chemicals and its widespread detection.

“We don’t know the toxicity, but this study has allowed us to do that work now,” said study lead author Julian Fairey. “Now we can do the hard work of finding out what its toxicological relevance is in our water systems.”

It may be a while – probably several years to a decade or more – before we learn much more about the chemical, including more concrete answers about its harm. For now, you may want to invest in a water filter.