March 12, 2003 -- Water systems in North America will be affected by several priority regulations in 2003, according to a newsletter from WaterTrax.
Here are some of the rules to keep your eyes on in the United States:
Radionuclides Rule:
The DC Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) rule on radionuclide levels in drinking water. The rule maintains existing standards for radium-226 and radium-228, gross alpha, beta particles and photon emitters, and establishes a new uranium standard of 30 micrograms per liter. The rule applies to community water systems and will become effective on December 8, 2003.
Radon Rule:
The Radon Rule proposes an MCL of 300 pCi/L and an alternate MCL pf 4,000 pCi/L, applicable to community water systems. The final rule is expected in late 2003 or early 2004.
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Rule and Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule:
The USEPA is expected to propose these two rules this summer. Under the LT2ESWTR, most systems will be required to monitor for Cryptosporidium. Under the D/DBP, a new MCL of 0.070 mg/L for chloroform will apply.
Ground Water Rule:
The Ground Water Rule establishes a multiple-barrier approach to protect against bacteria and viruses in groundwater supplies. It is expected to be finalized in late 2003.
Contaminant Candidate List Regulatory Determinations:
The Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) contains contaminants prioritized for sampling, research, and rulemaking consideration. USEPA's preliminary determination in 2002 found that the nine contaminants on the first CCL do not require regulatory action. Final CCL regulatory determinations are expected by mid 2003.
Six-Year Review of Drinking Water Standards:
Under the current Safe Drinking Water Act, contaminants regulated under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation must be reviewed every six years. USEPA's preliminary determinations found the current regulated standards to be appropriate, and recommended the Total Coliform Rule be revised. USEPA notes that there are a number of scientific assessments underway that may indicate a need for further review. Final decisions on the six-year review are expected in early 2003.
Check the WaterTrax Drinking Water Parameter Database (http://www.watertrax.com/docs/default.asp?command=parampreview) for more information.
The database is a comprehensive collection of information on over 300 biological, chemical, and physical substances regulated in over 70 North American and International jurisdictions.
For more information about WaterTrax, visit http://www.watertrax.com.
