Protect Our Health From Source National Drinking Wat Program Highlights "" ftik: ©EPA United States Office of Water EPA816-K-01-001 Environmental Protection (4606) May 2001 Agency www.epa.gov/safewafll''; ------- For More Information EPA Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1 (800) 426-4791 EPA/OGWDW: (202) 260-5543 ------- Table of Contents :o Tap 2 Protect Our Health from Source to Tap Protecting Drinking Water Sources ., C Preventing Contamination of Drinking Water - - Underground Injection Control ' Possible Best Management Practices for Contamination Sources 11 Meeting Infrastructure Needs Determining Priorities for Drinking Water Standards 19 Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule List 21 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations 41 Drinking Water Program Milestones www.epa.gov/safewater Protect Our Health from Source to Tap It takes many levels of protection to ensure tap water is safe to drink. A variety of safeguards, from the drinking water source to the consumer's tap, form multiple barriers against contami- nation. These include assessing the vulnerability of drinking water sources to contamination; adopting community programs to protect wells and collection systems; setting standards to control the level of contaminants in raw water from deep injection wells and shallow disposal systems; making sure water is treated by qualified operators; ensuring the integrity of distribu- tion systems; setting regulations to control the level of contaminants in tap water; and making information available to the public on drinking water quality. EPA, states, tribes, drinking water utilities, communities and citizens share the responsibility of protecting America's drinking water. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 {800} 428-4791 - www.epa.gov/safewaSer ------- _ 2 Protecting Drinking Water Sources Because of population growth, increased urbanization and land development, there is growing concern over the quality and quantity of the nation's drinking water. Communities must learn about the sources of and threats to their drinking water to make informed choices to protect them. As of 2001, all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and several tribes are completing assessments to make this information available. Source Water Assessments identify the area of land that most directly contributes the raw water used for drinking water, and the major potential sources of contamination to drinking water supplies, describe the susceptibility of those water supplies, and inform the public about the results of this analysis. Three-and-a-half years after approval, states must complete these assessments for every public water system, so that every person will be able to understand and act on the information to protect their drinking water. Funding to conduct assessments is available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. Assessing and protecting drinking water consists of six steps: Step 1. Delineate protection area For each ground water well or surface water intake that supplies public drinking water, the land area that could contribute water and pollutants to the water supply must be delineated and mapped. For ground water supplies, the map would include land areas-where, if pollutants are spilled or discharged on the surface, they could filter through the soil to the ground water and be drawn into a particular well. For surface water supplies, the map would include the land area in the watershed upstream of the intake. Step 2. Identify major potential sources of contamination This inventory includes a list and a map of facilities and activities within the delineated area that may release contaminants into the ground water supply or the watershed of the river or lake. Examples of major potential pollutant sources include landfills, underground or above- ground fuel storage tanks, residential or commercial septic systems, storm water runoff from streets and lawns, farms that apply pesticides and fertilizers, and sludge disposal sites. Step 3. Determine susceptibility The next step is to evaluate how susceptible the water supply is to contamination from identi- fied sources. This evaluation provides information local decision-makers may use to prioritize approaches for protection. Hydrogeological data and information about contamination sources, water resource characteristics, or environmental management practices may help determine Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 428-4791 www.epa.gov/safewatsr ------- susceptibility. States prioritize threats of contamination from identified potential sources or specific chemicals. Some states are comparing the susceptibility across public water supplies. Step 4. Release results to the public Assessments are not complete until the information is available to the public. Source water assessment results help communities understand potential threats and identify priority needs to safeguard water supplies. States may release the information to the public in a variety of ways. Some plan to convene public workshops; others will have copies available in public libraries, local government offices, or water suppliers. Many also plan to post the assessment summaries on the Internet. Annual consumer confidence reports community water systems must prepare for their customers will also include assessment results. Step 5. Manage sources of contamination Once source water assessments are publicized, communities should use the information to protect their drinking water. Some tools for source water protection include local land-use ordinances, zoning, conservation easements and land purchases. Examples of best manage- ment practices are on page 6. Detailed information on managing sources of contamination and data are on the web at www.epa.gov/safewater/protecV ontamdata.html. Set-asides for Source Water Protection and Wellhead Protection activities are available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Step 6. Establish a contingency plan Source water assessments will also provide information that should help protect water supplies against emergency contamination incidents and ensure a safe future water supply. Many states and water suppliers have developed these plans already, relying on civil defense and local emergency preparedness and response plans as the foundation of their contingency water supply replacement programs. Resources on contingency planning are available at www.epa.gov/safewater/protect/contingency. html. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 {800} 428-4791 www.epa.gov/safewater 5 ------- 6 ^i * *. V -*' v Preventing Contamination of Drinking Water To address concern over the nation's drinking water, EPA and a number of partners have launched an effort to establish a National Source Water Contamination Preven- tion Strategy that will: Provide an overview of the challenges to preserving and protecting safe drinking water y s Define a national vision for prevention i*? Clarify goals ana1 objectives establishing performance measures that would guide priorities and determine adequacy and timeliness of progress ' D?fpribe tne role and importance of data systems and information in advancing this * program "" *" * " * "" n., Preventing contamination of drinking water sources should be a standard part of thfc multiple barrrerapproach to providing safe drinking water. It is a collaborative procesf .that depends on the awareness? participation and"actions" of federal and,, state ageV" »» J& *vc, .V^X efes,.tribal officials local governments, interest groups5, mdividual citizens and the Husi ness community. - , ~ - ^ - - ~> «»-, ^ » * j ^ ""* *ft ** '*!'<^K^ Unking source water protection with source control programs is critical: the Safe Driijk^ ing Water Act mandates source water assessments but not source water protection"/ ~ with the exception of the Underground Injection Control program. Therefore, effective"' * protection measures must involve the Clean Water Act and other laws with sourcfe -~ control mandates, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. It is also"' * important to integrate water-related programs by institutionalizing links between source^ v control and "drinking water programs at the federal, state, tribal, and local level. Water programs were developed to protect separate parts of the "ecosystem or sepa ' rate uses of its resources. However, this fragmented approach can be an obstacle to : public health protection. Rivers, streams and ground water that are dunking water *** sources also have ecological value, and their functions cannot be separated. Safe Drinking Water HorSine 1 (800) 428-47§1 - www.epaTg^'afevtf'ateT''''' ^^^-^r ^. ' ------- Underground injection Control An effective Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program is essential to protecting drinking water sources from contamination. Underground injection is the technology of placing fluids underground, in porous formations of rocks, through wells or other similar conveyance systems. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to provide safeguards so that injection wells do not endanger current and future underground sources of drinking water. Through its UIC Program, EPA has developed minimum federal standards to regulate wells that range from deep, techni- cally sophisticated, and highly monitored wells to shallow on-site drainage systems, such as septic systems, cesspools, and storm water drainage wells. These requirements cover wells that discharge a variety of hazardous and nonhazardous fluids above, into, or below aquifers. The EPA groups injection wells into five classes. Each class includes wells with similar func- tions, construction, and operating features so that requirements can be applied consistently within each well class. These requirements affect the siting, construction, operation, main- tenance, monitoring, testing, and closure of injection wells. Fluids cannot be injected if they may cause a public water system to violate drinking water standards or otherwise adversely affect public health. All operational injection wells require authorization under general rules or specific permits. Injection wells in Classes I, II, and III generally receive site-specific permits through UIC Programs because of the fluids they inject. Most class IV wells are banned. EPA estimates that there are over 650,000 Class V wells. Class V injection wells are located in every state, especially in unsewered areas where the population is likely to depend on ground- water for its drinking water source. These wells are typically shallow, on-site disposal systems, such as dry wells, septic systems or drainage systems that inject fluids into or above under- ground sources of drinking water. In 2000, EPA began to implement a new Class V Rule which addresses two subtypes of Class V wells: large-capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste disposal wells. The rule requires that existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells close or obtain a permit; prohibits new large- capacity cesspools and new motor vehicle waste disposal wells nationwide; and requires closure of all existing large-capacity cesspools. In addition, EPA conducted a study that collected information on other types of Class V wells. Based on the analysis of this information, the Agency proposed a determination that no further federal regulations were required at this time to protect underground sources of drinking water. Instead, UIC program directors will continue to use their existing authorities to take any neces- Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 « www.epa.gov/safewater 9 ------- 10 sary actions to prevent any Class V wells from endangering underground sources of drinking water. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal before it is finalized in May 2002. Possible Best Management Practices for Contamination Sources | The following list summarizes possible best management practices to prevent contamination 1 of drinking water sources. Additional information on each set of practices will be available ] on EPA's Source Water Protection web site, www.epa.gov/safewater/protect.html, in j summer 2001. Large-Scale Pesticide Application Utilize alternatives to pesticides, through Integrated Pest Management 0 Ensure proper pesticide application, mixing and loading consistent with label. a Consider reduced pesticide use techniques such as soil incorporation, pre-plant and post- emergent applications, spot treatment, and split applications. | Ensure proper storage and disposal | ° Avoid applying pesticides near drinking water wells, agricultural drainage wells, and surface waters. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 428-4791 a www.epa.gov/safewater 11 ------- Small Scale Pesticide Application Read and follow label instructions carefully. Reduce pesticide use by selecting healthy seeds that resist disease, alternating plants each year, manually removing weeds and pests, properly maintianing plant health, using biologi- cal controls where possible. Ensure proper storage and disposal. Agricultural Fertilizer Application Utilize application rates and fertilizer types consistent with actual plant nutrient needs. Time fertilizer application with the period of maximum crop uptake. « Utilize techniques to impede runoff such as conservation tillage, buffer strips or filter strips. Ensure proper fertilizer storage and disposal. Avoid applying fertilizer near drinking water wells, agricultural drainage wells, and surface waters. Turfgrass and Gardening Fertilizer Application Eliminate Excess Fertilizer Use. Ensure proper fertilizer application. Avoid applying fertilizer near drinking water wells, agricultural drainage wells, and surface waters. Ensure proper storage and disposal. Septic Systems Establish proper siting criteria. 9 Establish appropriate design and construction criteria. Establish operation and maintenance protocols. Analyze assimilative capacity of soils and receiving waters to determine appropriate density of septic systems. Safe Drinking Water Hotting 1 (800) 426-4791 www.epa.gov/safewater 13 ------- Livestock and Poultry Waste Prevent animal waste-to-water contact. Ensure proper land application of manure, including avoidance of applying near wells and surface waters. Implement pasture management techniques such as fencing and planting legumes. Non-Livestock Waste Aerobically compost horse manure. Clean up and dispose of companion animal waste. Sanitary Sewer Overflows and Combined Sewer Overflows Consider non-structural prevention methods such as visual inspections, monitoring and maintenance programs, employee training and public education. Consider structural prevention methods such as upgrading the collection system, construct- ing wet weather storage facilities, building new sewer collection systems. Storm Water Runoff Consider pollution prevention practices such as: erosion and sedimentation control mea- sures; land use controls; grassed swales; buffer strips; filter strips; storm water ponds; constructed wetlands; and BMPs for Class V storm water drainage wells. Vehicle Washing Use alternative cleaning agents such as phosphate-free, biodegradable detergents. Discourage use of cleaning agents containing solvents and emulsifiers. Install water recycling systems. Provide employee training to prevent vehicle wash water from entering storm water drains, prevent spills, or control and manage spills. Underground Storage Tanks Ensure compliance with Federal LIST requirements. Consider local registration programs for exempt tanks. Consider local land use controls such as zoning, use restrictions, permits, and setbacks. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 {800) 426-4791 < www.epa.gov/safewater 15 ------- Above Ground Storage Tanks Ensure ASTs have corrosion protection for the tank. Ensure there is a secondary containment area that contains spills. Follow proper maintenance recommendations. Consider land use controls such as zoning, use restrictions, permits and setbacks. Small Quantity Chemical Use Avoid excess chemical use. Ensure proper use and handling of chemicals. Provide employee training on spill control, and response protocols. Meeting Infrastructure Needs Although our drinking water supply is among the safest in the world, there is concern that utilities will need to increase investments in infrastructure to protect public health and the environment in the future. EPA estimates public water systems will need to invest at least $150.9 billion over a 20 year period to continue providing safe water, according to a 2001 study of US infrastructure needs. One tool available to states to fund high priority infrastructure projects and state and local activities is EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The goal of the program is to help ensure that permanent institutions exist in each state to provide financial support for drinking water needs for many years to come. Through December 31, 2000, Congress has provided $3.2 billion in grants to all 50 states and Puerto Rico to capitalize revolving loan funds for infrastructure projects and to fund local activities. States have made more than 1,550 low-interest loans totaling $3.2 billion for needed infra- structure projects to meet public health and compliance needs. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 428-4791 * www.epa.gov/safewater 17 ------- Seventy-five percent of all loans have gone to small water systems. States have reserved $515 million for activities that support their drinking water programs, enhance the manage- ment ability of water systems and protect sources of drinking water. However, solutions to meeting the nation's infrastructure needs must also include tools that increase efficiencies within the drinking water industry, such as adequate rate structures, consolidation, research and development and other creative incentives. Issues that may help to shape national dialogue include: Public health protection - Assuring that drinking water utilities are first and foremost committed to protecting public health Regulatory compliance - Providing support to help drinking water utilities achieve compliance with current and future regulations System sustainability - Promoting systems' capacity to provide safe and affordable drinking water Financial mechanisms - Developing tools that support drinking water utilities' ability to fund capital improvements in a timely, effective and fiscally sound manner Partnerships and stakeholder involvement - Fostering involvement so that responsibility for addressing infrastructure needs is shared by all affected entities Determining Priorities for Drinking Water Standards EPA is currently undertaking several activities to review existing regulations and examine the need for future regulations. Setting Priorities for the Future: The Contaminant Candidate List is the primary source of priority contaminants for the agency's drinking water program. Starting with a list of 60 contaminants identified in 1998 (50 chemical, 10 microbiological), EPA plans to make regu- latory determinations on at least five contaminants by early fall 2001. Ensuring Safety of Existing Standards: The agency is reviewing 66 national primary drink- ing water regulations set before 1996. This fall, EPA plans to publish, for public comment, protocol and preliminary decisions to revise or not revise these standards; final decisions on revisions are expected in August 2002. The protocol includes whether existing MCLs and MCLGs are still appropriate, given new science, methods and treatment technology. The 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act require EPA to conduct such a review every six years. Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 www.epa.gov/safewater 19 ------- 20 Research: EPA plans to finalize a research plan for CCL contaminants in fall 2001. The agency is also developing a comprehensive strategy for all drinking water research over the next 5-10 years. EPA headquarters and regional offices are developing these strategies in cooperation with states, the National Drinking Water Advisory Council and other partners in associations and utilities. Data Collection: The primary source of occurrence data to identify emerging contaminants is collected via the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule. EPA is collecting occurrence data on 25 contaminants and developing analytical methods for several others. This data will be used to support regulatory decision making about CCL contaminants. i Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 www.epa.gov/saf8water 21 ------- 22 *&£ ** * *£* Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule List "(Contd.) t V, Screening Survey of Contaminants" ^J* A >, ~ * *> ^ fl3)Dmran " " f / - * S *, "> (14) Lmuron v ~(15}Prometon * \ ^ (16j]2Ae-triWorophenol , " (f7)2/4-cbchlof6pheno|1' ""' ^ j- '*"*' " "* (18^2,4-dinitropfienoi * ^ s. (19^ 2-methyf-l-pTienof" " ""^ "7 ,2-diphenylhydrazme (22} Drazinon ** * * ? ! ,* "^ (23}Disuifoton"^ ^ (24)>6njofos > - T »,-* «*. ^ (25)Terbufos . "" » <>" * , ». -i (26} Aeromonas Hydrophifa » '^ ^ -« .* *"»-"" ~<» ,r < »* v^ to. tt ^>-# -% J. «* ^SHl' ^5*^ '"f^ ^« -*-.*-. ^ ^ ^^ tf ^, ^ Unregulated Contaniinant Monitoring Ru§e List (Contd.) Testing of Contaminants Needing Research on Wlethods^ (28) Algae^and toxins^ (33} Caliciyiruses* (29} Echotfruses* - (34}ldenoviruses* (30) Coxsackieviruses* (35}Lead-210* (31} Helicobacter pylori* (36} Poiomum-210* (32} Microspondia* >K. f For indicated contaminants (*}, further methods development is needed before monitoring cpn occur Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 {800) 426-4791 « www.epa.gov/safewatar *^ H v.,^ 23 ------- 24 National Primary Drinking Water Regulations Microorganisms Cryptosporidium as of as of 01/01/02: 01/01/02: zero TT3 Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) Human and animal fecal waste Giardia lamblia zero TT3 Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) Human and animal fecal waste Heterotrophic plate n/a count (HPC) TT3 HPC has no health effects; it is an analytic method used to measure the variety of bacteria that are common in water. The lower the concen- tration of bacteria in drinking water, the better maintained the water system is. HPC measures a range of bacteria that are naturally present in the environment Legionella zero TT3 Legionnaire's Disease, a type of pneumonia Found naturally in water; multiplies in heating systems Total Coliforms (including fecal coliform and E. coli) zero 5.0%4 Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present5 Total conforms are naturally present in the environment; fecal coliforms and E. coli come from human and animal fecal waste. Turbidity n/a TT3 Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (e.g., whether disease-causing organisms are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing micro- organisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. Soil runoff Viruses (enteric) zero TT3 Gastrointestinal illness (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, cramps) Human and animal fecal waste ------- 26 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Bromate as of 01/01/02: zero as of 01/01/02: 0.010 Increased risk of cancer Byproduct of drinking water disinfection Chloramines (as C\7 as of as of Eye/nose irritation; stomach 01/01/02: 01/01/02: discomfort, anemia MRDLG=41 MRDL=4.01 Water additive used to control microbes Chlorine (as CI2) as of as of Eye/nose irritation; stomach 01/01/02: 01/01/02: discomfort MRDLG=41 MRDL=4.01 Water additive used to control microbes Chlorine dioxide (as CI02) as of as of 01/01/02: 01/01/02: MRDLG=0.81 MRDL=0.81 Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects Water additive used to control microbes Chlorite as of as of 01/01/02: 01/01/02: 0.8 1.0 Anemia; infants & young children: nervous system effects Byproduct of drinking water disinfection Haloacetic acids (HAA5) as of 01/01/02: n/a6 as of 01/01/02: 0.060 Increased risk of cancer Byproduct of drinking water disinfection Total Trihalomethanes none7 0.10 (TTHMs) as of as of 01/01/02: 01/01/02 n/a6 0.080 Liver, kidney or central nervous Byproduct of drinking water system problems; increased disinfection risk of cancer Inorganic Chemicals Antimony 0.006 0.006 increase in blood cholesterol; decrease in blood sugar Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder Arsenic7 none 0.05 Skin damage; circulatory system problems; increased risk of cancer Erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards; runoff from glass and electronics production wastes Asbestos (fibers >10 micrometers) 7 million 7 MFL fibers per Liter (MFL) Increased risk of developing benign intestinal poiyps Decay of asbestos cement in water mains; erosion of natural deposits Barium Increase in blood pressure Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 428-4791 www.epa.gov/safawater ------- 28 Beryllium 0.004 0.004 Intestinal lesions Cadmium 0.005 0.005 Kidney damage Chromium (total) 0.1 Copper 1.3 Cyanide 0.2 (as free cyanide) 0.1 Allergic dermatitis Discharge from metal refineries and coal-burning factories; discharge from electrical, aerospace, and defense industries Corrosion of galvanized pipes; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from metal refineries; runoff from waste batteries and paints Discharge from steel and pulp mills; erosion of natural deposits TT8; Short term exposure: Corrosion of household plumbing Action Gastrointestinal distress; Long systems; erosion of natural deposit; Level = term exposure: Liver or kidney 1 .3 damage; People with Wilson's Disease should consult their persona! doctor if the amount of copper in their water exceeds the action level 0.2 Nerve damage or thyroid problems Discharge from steel/metal factories; discharge from plastic and fertilizer factories Fluoride 4.0 Rone disease (pain and tender- ness of the bones); Children may get mottled teeth Water additive which promotes strong teeth; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories Lead zero TT8; Action Level = 0.015 Infants and children: Delays in Corrosion of household plumbing physical or mental development; systems; erosion of natural deposits children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities; Adults: Kidney problems; high blood pressure Mercury (inorganic) 0.002 0.002 Kidney damage Erosion of natural deposits; discharge from refineries and factories; runoff from landfills and croplands Nitrate (measured 10 as Nitrogen) 10 Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, : may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-47S1 » www.epa.gov/safewater ------- Nitrite (measured as Nitrogen) Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrite in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. gpggs^P^gSj^aagmi^aaaBsag^^ Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits Selenium 0.05 0.05 Hair or fingernail loss; numbness in fingers or toes; circulatory problems Discharge from petroleum refineries; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from mines Thallium 0.0005 0.002 Hair loss; changes in blood; kidney, intestine, or liver problems Leaching from ore-processing sites; discharge from electronics, glass, and drug factories Organic Chemicals Acrylamide zero TT9 Nervous system or blood problems; increased risk of cancer Added to water during sewage/ wastewater treatment Alachior zero 0.002 Eye, liver, kidney or spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of cancer Runoff from herbicide used on row crops Atrazine 0.003 0,003 Cardiovascular system or reproductive problems Runoff from herbicide used on row crops Benzene zero 0.005 Anemia; decrease in blood platelets; increased risk of cancer Discharge from factories; leaching from gas storage tanks and landfills Benzo(a)pyrene zero 0.0002 Reproductive difficulties; (PAHs) increased risk of cancer Leaching from linings of water storage tanks and distribution lines Carbofuran 0.04 0.04 Problems with blood, nervous system, or reproductive system Leaching of soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa Carbon tetrachloride zero 0.005 Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities Chlordane zero 0.002 Liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer Residue of banned termiticide Chlorobenzene 0.1 0.1 Liver or kidney problems Discharge from chemical and agricultural chemical factories Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 « www.epa.gov/safewater 31 ------- 2,4-D 0.07 0,07 Kidney, liver, or adrenal gland problems Runoff from herbicide used on row crops Dalapon 0.2 0.2 Minor kidney changes Runoff from herbicide used on rights of way 1,2-Dibromo-3- chloropropane (DBCP) zero 0.0002 Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer Runoff/leaching from soil fumigant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, and orchards o-Dichlorobenzene 0.6 0.6 Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories p-Dichlorobenzene 0.075 0.075 Anemia; liver, kidney or spleen damage; changes in blood Discharge from industrial chemical factories 1,2-Dichloroethane zero 0.005 Increased risk of cancer Discharge from industrial chemical factories 1,1-Dichloroethylene cis-1,2- Dichloroethylene trans-1,2- Dichloroethylene 0.007 0.07 0.1 0.007 0.07 0.1 Liver problems Liver problems Liver problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories Discharge from industrial chemical factories Discharge from industrial chemical factories Dichloromethane zero 0.005 Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from drug and chemical factories 1,2-Dichloropropane zero 0.005 Increased risk of cancer Discharge from industrial chemical factories Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate 0.4 0.4 General toxic effects or reproductive difficulties Discharge from chemical factories Di(2-ethylhexyl) zero 0.006 Reproductive difficulties; liver phthalate problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from rubber and chemical factories Dinoseb 0.007 0.007 Reproductive difficulties Runoff from herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables Dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) zero 0.00000003 Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer Emissions from waste incineration and other combustion; discharge from chemical factories Diquat 0.02 0.02 Cataracts Runoff from herbicide use Endothall 0.1 0.1 Stomach and intestinal problems Runoff from herbicide use Endrin 0.002 0.002 Liver problems Residue of banned insecticide Safe Drinking Water Hotiine 1 (800) 428-4791 * www.epa.giw/safewater 33 ------- 34 Epichlorohydrin zero TT9 Increased cancer risk, and over a long period of time, stomach problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories; an impurity of some water treatment chemicals Ethylbenzene 0.7 0.7 Liver or kidneys problems Discharge from petroleum refineries Ethylene dibromide zero 0.00005 Problems with liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kidneys; increased risk of cancer Discharge from petroleum refineries Glyphosate 0.7 0.7 Kidney problems; reproductive difficulties Runoff from herbicide use Heptachlor zero 0.0004 Liver damage; increased risk of cancer Residue of banned termiticide Heptachlor epoxide zero 0.0002 Liver damage; increased risk of cancer Breakdown of heptachlor Hexachlorobenzene zero 0.001 Liver or kidney problems; reproductive difficulties; increased risk of cancer Discharge from metal refineries and agricultural chemical factories Hexachloro- cyclopentadiene 0.05 0.05 Kidney or stomach problems Discharge from chemical factories Lindane 0.0002 0.0002 Liver or kidney problems Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gardens Methoxychlor 0.04 0.04 Reproductive difficulties Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, livestock Oxamyl (Vydate) 0.2 0.2 Slight nervous system effects Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) zero 0;0005 Skin changes; thymus gland problems; immune deficiencies; reproductive or nervous system difficulties; increased risk of cancer Runoff from landfills; discharge of waste chemicals Pentachlorophenol Picloram Simazine Styrene zero 0.5 0.004 0.1 0.001 0.5 0.004 0.1 Liver or kidney problems; increased cancer risk Liver problems Problems with blood Liver, kidney, or circulatory system problems Discharge from wood preserving factories Herbicide runoff Herbicide runoff Discharge from rubber and plastic factories; leaching from landfills Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 » www.epa.gov/safewater ------- Tetrachloroethylene zero 0.005 Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from factories and dry cleaners ' Toluene Nervous system, kidney, or liver problems Discharge from petroleum factories Toxaphene zero 0.003 Kidney, liver, or thyroid problems; increased risk of cancer Runoff/leaching from insecticide used on cotton and cattle 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 0.05 0.05 Liver problems Residue of banned herbicide | 1,2,4-Trichiorobenzene0.07 0.07 Changes in adrenal glands Discharge from textile finishing factories 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.20 0.2 Liver, nervous system, or Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.003 0.005 Liver, kidney, or immune system problems Discharge from industrial chemical factories Trichloroethylene zero 0.005 Liver problems; increased risk of cancer Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories Vinyl chloride zero 0.002 Increased risk of cancer Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories Xylenes (total) 10 Nervous system damage Discharge from petroleum factories; discharge from chemical factories Radionuclides Alpha particles none' as of 12/08/03: zero 15 pico- Increased risk of cancer curies per Liter (pCi/L) Erosion of natural deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation Beta particles and photon emitters none' as of 12/08/03: zero 4 millirems Increased risk of cancer per year (mrem/yr) Decay of natural and man-made deposits of certain minerals that are radioactive and may emit forms of radiation known as photons and beta radiation Radium 226 and Radium 228 (combined) none' as of 12/08/03: zero 5 pCi/L Increased risk of cancer Erosion of natural deposits Uranium as of as of Increased risk of cancer; 12/08/03: 12/08/03: kidney problems zero 0.03 Decay of natural and man-made deposits ------- 38 Motes ____________-«___«_______. 1 Definitions Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The 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 into consider- ation. MCLs are enforceable standards. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. Treatment Technique (TT) - A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. 2 Units are in milligrams per liter (mg/L) unless otherwise noted. Milligrams per liter are equivalent to parts per million (ppm). 3 EPA's surface water treatment rules require systems using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water to (1) disinfect their water, and (2) filter their water or meet criteria for avoiding filtration so that the following contaminants are controlled at the following levels: Cryptasporidium:(as of January 1, 2002} 99% removal Giardia lamblia: 99.9% removal/inactivation Viruses: 99.99% removal/inactivation Legionella: No limit, but EPA believes that if Giardia and viruses are removed/inactivated, Legionella will also be controlled. Turbidity: At no time can turbidity (cloudiness of water) go above 5 nephelolometric turbidity units (NTU); systems that filter must ensure that the turbidity go no higher than 1 NTU (0.5 NTU for conventional or direct filtration) in at least 95% of the daily samples in any month. As of January 1, 2002, turbidity may never exceed 1 NTU, and must not exceed 0.3 NTU in 95% of daily samples in any month. HPC: No more than 500 bacterial colonies per milliliter 4 No more than 5.0% of samples may be total coliform-positive in a month. (For water systems that collect fewer than 40 routine samples per month, no more than one sample may be total coliform-positive during a month). Every sample that has total coliforms must be analyzed for either £ coli or fecal conforms to determine whether human or animal fecal matter is present (fecal coliform and £ coli are part of the total coliform group). There may not be any fecal coliforms or£ coli. 5 Fecal coliform and £ coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Disease-causing microbes (pathogens) in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, head- aches, or other symptoms. These pathogens may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 6 Although there is no collective MCLG for this contaminant group, there are individual MCLGs for some of the individual contaminants: Haloacetic acids: dichloroacetic acid (zero); trichloroacetic acid (0.3 mg/L) Trihalomethanes: bromodichloromethane (zero); bromoform (zero); dibromochloromethane (0.06 mg/L) 7 MCLGs were not established before the 1986 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. This standard was set Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800)428-4191 « www.epa.gov/safewater 39 ------- 40 prior to 1986 and therefore, does not have an MCLG. (For arsenic: In January 2001, EPA published a new standard requiring public water supplies to reduce arsenic to 0.01 mg/L by 2006. EPA is reviewing the science and costing analysis of the rule. For status updates, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or check the web site.) 8 Lead and copper are regulated by a Treatment Technique that requires systems to control the corrosiveness of their water. If more than 10% of tap water samples exceed the action level, water systems must take additional steps. For copper, the action level is 1.3 mg/L, and for lead is 0.015 mg/L. 9 Each water system must certify, in writing, to the state that when it uses acrylamide and/or epichlorohydrin to treat water the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified, as follows: Acrylamide = 0.05% dosed at 1 mg/L (or equivalent); Epichlorohydrin = 0.01% dosed at 20 mg/L (or equivalent). National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations Aluminum 0.05 to 0.2 mg/L Odor Chloride 250 mg/L 3 threshold odor number Color 15 (color units) pH 6.5-8.5 Copper 1.0 mg/L Silver 0.1 mg/L Corrosivity noncorrosive Sulfate 250 mg/L Fluoride 2.0 mg/L Foaming Agents 0.5 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 500 mg/L Iron 0.3 mg/L Zinc 5 mg/L Manganese 0.05 mg/L A National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation is a non-enforceable guideline regarding contaminants that may cause cosmetic effects (such as taste, odor, or color). Some states choose to adopt them as enforceable standards. Safe Drinking Water HotSine 1 (800) 426-4791 www.epa.gov/safewat8r 41 ------- 42 Drinking Water Program Milestones Determining Priorities for Drinking Water Regulations EPA is developing proposed rules for the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule; and final rules for the Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Ground Water Rule, Radon and Arsenic. The agency is also developing a secondary standard for Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether. Dates of promulgation are subject to change. For the most up-to- date information, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791, or check the web site, www.epa.gov/safewater. Contaminant Candidate List Nov. 2001 2003, then every 5 years Final decisions on whether or not to regulate five or more contaminants Next CCL list published Six-Year Review October 2001 Notice of Intent on preliminary revise/ not revise decisions for National Primary Drinking Water Regulations set prior to 1996. HI August 2002 Final decisions on which regulations need to be revised. 2002, then every 6 years Next review cycle begins. Data Collection via the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule Ongoing EPA is collecting data on 36 contaminants to support regulatory decisions on the CCL contaminants. Research Fall 2001 Ongoing CCL Research Plan Developing a comprehensive strategy for all drinking water research for the next 5-10 years. Radionuclides December 2000 December 2003 Final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Implementation Filter Backwash Recycling Rule May 2001 May 2004 Final Rule Implementation Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 « www,epa,§ov/safewater 43 ------- 44 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule December 1999 January 2002 "**"' " December 1999 January 2002 January 2004 Protecting Drinking Water Sources from Contamination Final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation * Implementation Final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation ' Implementation: large surface water systems implementation 1 Implementation: ground water systems and small surface water systems Source Water Assessment Drinking Water Contamination Prevention Strategy 2003 Ongoing 2001 Ongoing v^w^^M^^B^HHI^^^H^B^^^^g Complete and Publicize Assessments Source Water Protection Final Strategy on Internet Implement Strategy ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^"wflTn^'''?*'g>8 Underground Injection Control March 2001 April 30, 2001 May 31, 2002 February 2002 April 2002 Ongoing through 2003 January 2002 2000 thru 2008: April 2000 April 2000 Study of the Risks Associated With Class I Underground Injection Wells Class V Phase II Determination: Proposal Final South Florida Wastewater Disposal Well Final Rule Class I Municipal Well Final Rule States revise UIC 1422 primacy programs for Class V Phase I Rule Coal Bed Methane Hydro-Fracture Study Phase I ' Class V Phase I Rule Implementation: All new large capacity cesspools banned All new motor vehicle waste disposal wells banned ------- 46 April 2005 January 2006 January 2008 All existing large capacity cesspools closed All existing motor vehicle waste disposal wells closed or under permits in source water protection areas All motor vehicle waste disposal wells closed or under permits in all other regulated areas Drinking Water Information Consumer Confidence Report Every July Deadline for public water systems to distribute annual water quality reports to their customers. Public Notification May 2002 Implementation of new requirements to make notification easier and more effective. Systems violating drinking water standards must provide notice to customers within 24 hours. Databases Winter 2001 Implement new strategy designed to examine regulatory burden requirements for environmental data and integrate cross-program information needs Support for Water Systems Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Annual 2005 Allot funds Publish next report assessing national drinking water needs Capacity Development Sept. 2002, then every 3 years States must submit reports to their governors and make them available to the public. Operator Certification Training Feb. 2001 Ongoing States must submit programs for agency approval. EPA's Drinking Water Academy provides training and information to help EPA, States, Tribes, and others increase their capability to implement the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments. See www. epa.gov/safewater/dwa.html Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 (800) 426-4791 « www.epa.gov/safewater 47 ------- |