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'';
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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
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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
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_ 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
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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
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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"
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efes,.tribal officials local governments, interest groups5, mdividual citizens and the Husi
ness community. - , ~ - ^ - - ~> «»-, ^
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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 ^.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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*&£ ** * *£*
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule List "(Contd.)
t V,
Screening Survey of Contaminants"
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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*
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For indicated contaminants (*}, further methods development is needed before monitoring cpn occur
Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1 {800) 426-4791 « www.epa.gov/safewatar
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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