The underground storage of treated drinking water results in the elimination of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) produced during treatment and in a decrease in the concentration of residual disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors. Removal of THMs is associated with denitrifying conditions, whereas HAAs are removed under aerobic conditions. The findings are consistent with a biological mechanism for DBP and DBP precursor removal. Includes 8 references, tables, figures.