Drinking Water Standards In the United States

See Problem 3.27 fer other standards set by the EPA fet the so-called Sutfeoe Water Treatment Rule (SWTR). 

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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). 

Substance Coal Mine Drainage Throughout the United States Acid Mine Drainage from Vancouver, Canada Waste Rock Seepage from Saskatoon, Canada Metal Mine Drainage from Colorado, U.S.A. Drinking Water Standard in the United States... 

It s difficult to make a case that the variety of drinking-water standards in the United States is of any service to the public. Who but government—local, state, or federal—can be responsible for the chemical contents of public drinking water Is pure water a luxury available only to people who can pay for it ... 

Today resource limitations have caused the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to reassess schedules for new rules. A 1987 USEPA survey indicated there were approximately 202,000 public water systems in the United States. About 29 percent of these were community water systems, which serve approximately 90 percent of the population. Of the 58,908 community systems that serve about 226 million people, 51,552 were classified as "small" or "very small." Each of these systems at an average serves a population of fewer than 3300 people. The total population served by these systems is approximately 25 million people. These figures provide us with a magnitude of scale in meeting drinking water demands in the United States. Compliance with drinking water standards is not... 

NSF International is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization that is known world wide for standards development and product certification. NSF is accredited by ANSI, US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Standard Council of Canada (SCC). Water program standards important to drinking water quality in the United States include the following ... 

The U.S. Pubhc Health Service undertook a comprehensive survey of water supplies in the United States, known as the Community Water Supply Study (CWSS). Released in 1970, the study found that 41% of the systems surveyed did not meet the 1962 standards. Many systems were deficient with respect to various aspects of source protection, disinfection, clarification, and pressure in the distribution system. The study also showed that, although the water served to the majority of the U.S. population was safe, about 360,000 people were being supphed with potentially dangerous drinking water. 

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. 

MCL, highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost mto consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards in the United States. 

In the 1880s, Richards worked as water analyst for the Massachusetts State Board of Health while teaching at MIT. She conducted a two-year survey analyzing over 100,000 samples of drinking water in Massachusetts. From this study, she produced the first state water quality standards in the United States, which in turn led to the first modern sewage treatment plants. Her later studies in food quality led to state food and dmg standards. 

Bottled waters are alternatives to drinking water from the tap. The term bottled water is a generic term that describes all water sold in containers. The consumption of bottled water has risen phenomenally over the past years and the bottled water industry has grown to accommodate the demand [47]. Bottled waters are classified as a food material. They are monitored by the national food agencies and some international institutions. Many countries require the manufacturer to indicate the source of the water and the date of production on the label. The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) also inspects its members annually to check for compliance to the IBWA standards. In the United States, bottled waters are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state governments. 

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). 

An outline of the major environmental laws in the United States follows. These laws provide a framework for the basic standards used in the governance of environmental matters. The most important laws are the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA—now more often referred to as Superfund, a name derived from the passage of a later supplement to CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA), and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). A brief description of these acts follows ... 

Establishment of key drinking water standards for Cryptosporidium, certain carcinogens, and other contaminants that threaten drinking water in the United States. 

Three most commonly used fluoride chemicals in the United States for fluoridation are sodium fluoride, sodium silicofluoride, and hydrofluosilicic acid. When applied to drinking water, they should meet the AWWA Standard B703-00 and B701-99 and should be NSF/ANSI Standard 60 certified. These sfandards ensure quality of the chemicals and limit the amount of impurities in the chemical, such as heavy metals (lead) (3,14,15). 

In the United States, antimony is listed as a Clean Air Act hazardous air pollutant generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. Antimony and its compounds are listed as Clean Water Act toxic pollutants, subject to effluent limitations. The Eederal Drinking Water Standard is 6pgH. ... 

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