Drinking water regulations in the United States

Drinking Water Regulations in the United States (by F. S. Hauchman and J. L. McLain)... 

As regulated by EPA (as of January 1, 2002), the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) for chlorine dioxide is 0.8 mg/L (EPA 2002g) the maximum contaminant level (MCE) for its oxidation product, chlorite ion, in drinking water is 1.0 mg/L (EPA 2002e). The levels of chlorite ion in distribution system waters have been reported as part of the Information Collection Rule (ICR), a research project used to support the development of national drinking water standards in the United States (EPA 2002d). 

There is probably little need for additional primary regulation in either Europe or the United States. However, it is likely that the existing legal instruments such as the Clean Drinking Water Act in the United States and the Water Framework... 

Drinking water supplied by most public water systems in the United States is regulated under the SDWA. Standards apply to public water systems that provide drinking water to at least 15 service connections or regularly serve at least 25 individuals at least 60 days out of the year. Public water systems may... 

In addition to the MCLs listed in Table 8.8, there are secondary standards for water quality in the United States. The National Secondary Water Regulations (NSDWRs) are nonenforceable guidelines regulating contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as skin and tooth discoloration) or aesthetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color) in drinking water. I65 Many in the scientific community argue that the chemicals listed do not merely have cosmetic and aesthetic effects, particularly when they are combined with other toxicants. EPA, however, recommends, but does not require, that water systems comply with these secondary standards. States, however, are permitted to adopt these as enforceable standards. The NSDWRs are listed in Table 8.9. 

Regli S., Means E.G., Lykins B.W. (1995), Disinfection and disinfection by-products regulations in the united states. Chapter 5, Drinking Water Quahty Management, Technomic Publishing, 87-109. 

More than 3000 water facilities in the United States now use ultraviolet light, primarily in wastewater treatment, and its functional and economic viability is proven. More drinking water facilities are expected to use ultraviolet light, often in conjunction with other treatments, as a result of new EPA regulations to reduce disinfection byproducts and enhance surface water treatment. ... 

The 1974 SDWA and 1986 Amendments collectively protect the drinking water supplies of the United States that are both subject to regulation and used by the public. Both surface water and groundwater drinking supplies are covered. Lead figures prominently in the SDWA. In the 1986... 

The European Parliament and the Council have estabhshed a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, known as the Water Framework Directive. The Drinking Water Directive relates specifically to water intended for human consumption For example, in the United Kingdom the Water Quality Regulations prescribe maximum values for substances that affect wholesomeness and the Drinking Water Inspectorate polices the water companies. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for lap and pubhc water systems under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). 

In the United States, contaminant levels in drinking water are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The EPA regularly reviews these contaminants, and in 2008 they released a third draft Contaminant Candidate List for public review and comment [34], As part of the process to develop the list, the Agency evaluated pharmaceuticals and personal care products to identify those that had the potential to occur in drinking water provided by pubhc utilities. EPA considered 287 chemicals identified as pharmaceuticals and personal care products however, only one, nitroglycerin, was included on the draft list because most occurred at levels far below those currently associated with any adverse health effects, based on the best available human health effects data... 

Many countries have also established specific regulations to protect children from exposure to certain environmental hazards, including toxic chemicals. Examples include banning of heavy metals in toys, strict limit setting for persistent toxic substances in baby foods, and the setting of environmental limit values derived on the basis of infants sensitivities (e.g. nitrates in drinking-water). In the United States, concerns about children s special vulnerabilities... 

Table 8.9 National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWRs) for Potable Water in the United States...

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