MONTHLY HOTLINE REPORT
                   Safe Drinking Water Hotline
                         AUGUST 1993
                           CONTENTS








Index To Hot Topic Questions and Answers  ............................. 2



Hotline Activities ................................................. 6
Federal Register Notices .......................................... 10



Hot Topics [[[ 13



Specific Water Systems/Enforcement ................................. 30



Regulations Update ...................................... Attachment A




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            INDEX TO HOT TOPICS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


TITLE                     QUESTION                      Page No.


ADDITIVES

Fluoride:              What are the requirements for adding
                     fluoride to drinking water? 	13

Registration:          Where can I register my new chemical
                     product with EPA?  	14


BOTTLED WATER

Flooding:             I'm in a flood area. Should I buy bottled
                     water?	14


DEFINITIONS

Human Consumption:   What is the meaning of "human consumption"?  .... 15


E.COLJ

Private Wells:          We had our wells tested and it came back
                     positive for E. coli. What should we do
                     now?	16


HEALTH ADVISORY TABLE

MCLGs:              How do I interpret the health advisory
                     tables?	16
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 HOME WATER
 TREATMENT UNITS

 Registration:           How can I register my filtration units
                       with EPA?	17


 LABORATORY CERTIFICATION

 National
 Program:               Does EPA have a national program
                       for certifying laboratories for
                       drinking water testing?	18


 LEAD AND COPPen

 Monitoring:             What is the method to calculate the 90th percentile
                       for 11 sample sites for small systems?	18

 Monitoring:             Are we required to conduct monitoring since
                       we are a consecutive water system?  	19

 Reporting
 Requirements:          Am I required to report the results
                       of all the tap water samples to the State
                       or just the 90th percentile?	20


 Pri»«ie Property:        Are we required to notify our employees
                       that we exceeded the lead action level?	   20

Water Quality
 Parameters:             What are the water quality parameter (WQP)
                       requirements for medium systems after
                       installation of corrosion  control? 	21


 PHASE II & V

Analytical
Methods:               What are the test methods for cyanide?	22
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Chrysene & Benz[a]
anthracene:
Monitoring:
SOC Sampling:
What are the Maximum Contaminant
Levels (MCLs) for Chrysene and
Benz[a]anthracene (BaA)?  	
I need to know if the Maximum Contaminant
Level (MCL; ia an annual average based
on some sampling frequency?	
Where are the regulations which delineate
sampling requirements for Synthetic
Organic Chemicals (SOCs)?	
                                                                    23
                                                                    23
                                                                    24
Waiver Criteria:
I heard that if my well is deep enough,
: dont have to monitor for organic
chemicals; is that true?	
                                                                    24
RADON

Testing:
Our radon level for air was 1.7 pCi/l;
should we test our water for radon?
                                                                    25
RADIONUCLIDES
Polonium-210:
Is Polonium-210 regulated under the
Safe Drinking Water Act?  	
                                                                    26
SECONDARY DRINKING
WATER REGULATIONS

Iron Bacteria:
What are iron bacteria?  	26
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STATE
CERTIFICATION

Monitoring:           Where in the Code of Federal
                     Regulations (CFR) does it state
                     that the analysis of a compound
                     has to be conducted by a State
                     certified laboratory?	27
TESTING

Pesticides:             How do I get my water tested?	28


TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES (TTHMs)

Applicability:           What is the current TTHM standard
                      for non-transient, non-community
                      water systems?	28


WELLS

Testing:               What should I test my household
                      well for?	29
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                           Hotline Activities
                       SAFE DRINKING WATER HOTLINE
                      MONTHLY REPORT -- AUGUST 1993
I.     ACTIVITIES
      •     The Hotline answered approximately 3,611 calls during August.  This is an
            average of 164 calls per day.

      •     There were 1,627 document requests during August.

      •     The largest number of questions concerned lead.  The majority of referrals
            went to State agencies.

      •     The average waiting time in the queue was less than 40 seconds. The total
            number of incoming  calls to the Hotline during August was 5,026.  The
            cifference between this number and the number of calls answered by the
            Hotline, approximately 1,415 calls, represents calls made outside of the
            Hotline's hours of operation, i.e., before 9 a.m., after 5:30 p.m., and on
            weekends and Federal holidays.  Approximately 480 callers hung up, most
            in 40 seconds or less.

      •     The Hotline is preparing a series of primers using a question and answer
            format. The Hotline delivered a proposed set of questions for the laboratory
            certification primer to Beth Hall,  Project Officer,  and  Pat Minami, Task
            Manager, on August 6, 1993. On August 26, 1993, the Hotline learned that
            a third primer will address Treatment Technologies. The Hotline organized
            reference materials and developed an outline of questions and answers for
            this primer. Bill Rusin, Hotline Manager,  and Mary Beth Weaver, Senior
            Information Specialist, met with Steve Clark, DWSD, to discuss the content

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       of the treatment technologies primer.  The Hotline received comments on
       the standard setting and laboratory certification primers during the week
       beginning August 30, 1993.

 •     Mike Cross, Senior Information  Specialist,  is developing an automated
       document order data entry screen using FoxPro which will be used by the
       Hotline Information Specialists to take document requests. This system will
       enable callers to receive documents  more quickly through the Office of
       Water Resource Center  and the National Center  for Environmental
       Publications and Information. The Hotline plans to begin using the new
       system by October  1,1993.

 •     The Hotline prepared a compendium of significant questions and answers
       addressed in Hotline Monthly Reports from January through June 1993. A
       draft compendium was delivered to Beth Hall,  Project Officer, on August 13,
       1993.

 •     The hotline  developed  an outline describing the proposed contents and
       method (s) of presentation  for the Annual Statistical Report of Hotline
      Activities that will include a summary of statistical and other information
       summarizing Hotline activity for Fiscal Year 1993.

 •    The Hotline developed a FoxPro database indexing questions and answers
      from Hotline Weekly Reports from Fiscal Year 1993.  The database allows
      each Information Specialist to search questions and answers using general
      keyword  (e.g., lead and copper, BAT,  MCL, etc.).

 •     A FoxPro database  of holdings in the Hotline library is being developed.
      The  database will allow  a  user to search  for holdings under general
      categories similar to those described above for the Weekly Report question-
      and-answer database.

•     Forrest Meader,  Information Specialist, is preparing an index to questions
      and answers  presented in Hotline Monthly Reports from Fiscal Year 1993.
      The Index will be completed by September 24,1993.

•     To prepare for a potential CBS Morning News broadcast, Beth Hall, Project
      Officer, instructed the Hotline to contact each State laboratory certification
      office to request a list of laboratories certified  to test lead in drinking water
      samples.  It  was learned  that CBS  Morning  News was planning to air a
      piece on lead in drinking water during which they would advertise the EPA's
      Saf  Drinking Water  Hotline as a contact for obtaining a list of laboratories
      for each State. The broadcast was scheduled for August 19 or 20, 1993.
      Based on our previous experiences with nationwide broadcasts, the Hotline

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             anticipated a heavy call load in response to the planned broadcast by CBS.
             Rather than referring Hotline  callers to States for the lists, we planned to
             make arrangements with EPA's Office of Water Resource Center to send
             the lists to callers.  Calls to all 50 States were made on August 20,  1993.
             Although CBS did not broadcast the piece, the Hotline has a complete and
             current set of State lists.

             On August 5, 1993, Judy Lebowich, EPID, briefed the Hotline on the public
             notification requirements of EPA's drinking water program.

             On August 5,  12,  17,  and 26, 1993, staff  from  OGWDW and LABAT-
             ANDERSON, Inc., met for the scheduled weekly meetings.

             On August 17, 1993, Information Specialist, Greg  Bindner, attended a
             meeting of the  Science Advisory Board's Drinking Water Committee.  The
             Committee • eviewed the status of the Disinfectants/Disinfection By-Products
             Rule, the Information Collection Rule and the Enhanced Surface Water
             Treatment Rule which are expected  to be  proposed  as  Phase Via in
             December 1993.  The results of the National  Research Council's study on
             fluoride were also announced at the meeting.

             On August 26,1993, Jan Auerbach and Heather Shank-Givens, DWSD, met
             with Bill  Rusin, Hotline  Manger, and  provided an update  on regulatory
             developments in DWSD.

             On August 26,1993, Tim Gill, DWSD, briefed the Hotline on the status of the
             upcoming final  rule  regulating radionuclides in drinking water.
      CORRECTIONS/DISCREPANCIES

      [The information that is presented in the Hotline monthly reports is carefully reviewed for accuracy
      and completeness.  When an error, ambiguity, or other concern is subsequently identified, an
      appropriate correction or explanation will be provided below. Revised information will be highlighted
      in bold type.]

There are no corrections  or discrepancies to report this month.
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1 — • 	
— -g-j
• 	 »
i — -


New Publications

II.     PUBLICATIONS - August 1993
      A Drinking Water State Revolving Fund: Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for America,
      is being distributed by the Office of Water Resource Center and is available by
      contacting the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

      This is a brief look at how State revolving funds can assist in complying with the
      Safe Drinking Water Act.

      Private Wells - Guidance for What to do after the Flood, is being distributed by the
      Office of Water  Resource Center and is available by contacting the Safe Drinking
      Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

      1 ,IL, rour-page document is intended to supplement flood precautions issued by
      State and local  health departments and environmental departments.
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                      Federal Registers
III. FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES
August 3, 1993
(Final Rule;
Analytical techniques;
Trihalomethanes)
58 FR 41344
August 4, 199?
(Notice of Primacy
Program approval
for Washington)
58 FR 41471
      Finaf rule approving two additional methods in 40 CFR
      141.30 for monitoring total trihalomethanes. These are
      methods 502.2  and  524.2  already  approved for
      monitoring of VOCs. This rule is considered issued at
      1 p.m. Eastern Time on August 14, 1993. It is effective
      and the methods may be used on September 2, 1993.
      Notice that the  State of Washington has revised its
      approved  State  Public Water Supply  Supervision
      (PWSS) Primacy Program by adopting drinking water
      regulations for total coliforms  and the  treatment of
      surface water.
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Augusts, 1993
(Notice of Primacy
Program approval
for Oregon)
58 FR 42320
August 10, 1993
(Notice of Primacy
Program approval
for New Jersey)
58 FR 42543
August 10, 1993
(Notice of proposed
rule, injection
wells in Michigan)
58 FR 42543
August 23, 1993
(Lodging of Consent
Decree Pursuant to
thfi SDWA)
58 Fn 44527
Notice that the State of Oregon has revised its State
PWSS Primacy Program by adopting drinking water
regulations for lead and copper.
Notice that the State of New Jersey is revising its
approved PWSS Primacy Program by adopting drinking
water regulations for the Surface Water Treatment Rule.
EPA is proposing pressure gradients for calculating the
maximum allowable liquid injection pressure for rule-
authorized Class II enhanced recovery injection wells
in six  Michigan fields.
Notice that a proposed consent decree in United States
v. Residual Technologies, Inc., was lodged on August
4,  1993 with the United States  District Court for the
Northern District of Oklahoma.  The  consent decree
settles alleged violations of the Underground Injection
Control  regulations  promulgated under  the  SDWA
resulting from injection into a hazardous waste disposal
well in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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August 30, 1993
(Notice of Primacy
Program approval
for Nevada)
58 FR 45491                   Notice  that the State of Nevada  has revised  its
                              approvrH State PWSS Program by adopting drinking
                              water regulations for total coliforms.

August 30, 1993
(Notice of Primacy
Program approval
for Hawaii)
58 FR 45491                   Notice that the State of Hawaii has revised its approved
                              State  PWSS Program by adopting  drinking water
                              regulations for filtration  and disinfection of  surface
                              water.

August 31, 1993
(Notice of Primacy
Program approval
for North Carolina)
58 FR 45888                   Notice that the State of North Carolina has revised its
                              approved State PWSS Primacy Program by adopting
                              drinking water regulations for Phase V.
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                          Hot Tonics/Special Issues
IV.    HOT TOPICS AND SPECIFIC WATER SYSTEMS/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

      Each week the Hotline submits a weekly status report to the EPA Office of Ground Water and
      Drinking Water, Enforcement and Program Implementation Division These weekly reports present
      Hot Topics and Specific Water System/Enforcement Issues identified from calls taken during daily
      Hotline operations. Highlights from August 1993 weekly reports are as follows
ADDITIVES
Fluoride:
What are the requirements for adding fluoride to drinking
water?

•     There are no requirements under the Safe Drinking
      Water Act for adding fluoride to drinking water.  The
      drinking water additives program  is handled by the
      National  Sanitation  Foundation   which  may  be
      contacted at 313-769-8010.

•     According to 40  CFR  143.5,  fluoride  in  children's
      drinking  water  at  levels  of approximately  1  mg/l
      reduces  the number of dental cavities.   However,
      addition of fluoride  is  not a regulatory  requirement
      applicable to Public Water Systems.

•     The  regulations do specify a  Secondary  Maximum
      Contaminant Level (SMCL) of 2.0 mg/l and a Maximum
      Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/l.
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Registration:
•     States may have requirements that apply to fluoride
      that are stricter than the Federal  requirements.  The
      caller was provided the name and telephone number of
      the appropriate State Public Water Supply Supervision
      contact to learn about State requirements that apply to
      fluoride in dnnking water.

Where can I register my new chemical product with EPA?

A  caller  from Colorado  inquired about  EPA  certification
information for new  chemical  products.    The  product,
consisting primarily of sulfuric acid and copper, is to be used
for purification of  water  and possibly  to inhibit  bacterial
growth.

•     EPA does not have an additives  program any more.
      The  National Sanitation Foundation may b* contacted
      at (313)769-8010 if this chemical is to be used as a
      drinking water additive.

•     The  Toxic Substance Control Act  Hotline (202-554-
      1404) may  be contacted for additional  information
      about registering chemical products.
BOTTLED WATER
Flooding:
 I'm in a flood area.  Should I buy bottled water?

 A caller from Kansas, reported problems with  her drinking
 water that she believed were caused by flooding.  Flooding
 had occurred in her area and water had come up near the
 water treatment plant; however, she had not been put on a
 boil notice and there  has been no other public notification
 about water problems.  Her family, however,  experienced
 stomach and intestinal distress  and were contemplating
 switching to bottled water for drinking.

 •     The caller was referred to her local public water system
       to report her family's problems and see if there are any
       reports on contamination.  She could  also contact her
       local public health department for information and to
       report her situation.
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                             The caller's name and telephone number were taken
                             and a memorandum reporting the call was written and
                             copies were given  to Beth Hall, Project Officer, and
                             Sandy Germann of the Office of Water in keeping with
                             Hotline procedures for handling telephone calls related
                             to the Midwest flood.

                             The Information Specialist offered to take an order for
                             the caller to receive a copy of Protecting Our Drinking
                             Water from  Microbes (EPA  570/9-89-008),  Bottled
                             Water (EPA 570/9-90-GGG), and afactsheet on bottled
                             water prepared by EPA. The caller was referred to the
                             Food and  Drug Administration (301-443-4166) for
                             answers to questions related to bottled water.
DEFINITIONS

Human Consumption:    What is the meaning of "human consumption"?

                        A caller from New York wanted information on EPA's definition
                        of "human consumption" as  it applies to the Safe  Drinking
                        Water Act.  He had researched this same question a few
                        years ago and knew there was a court decision where human
                        consumption included water used for showering because of
                        the inhalation of water vapors.

                        •     The L/.S. EPA National Safe Drinking Water Hotline:
                              Compendium  of Responses to Policy Inquiries, in
                              section III-5, discusses U.S. v. Midway Heights settled
                              in U.S. District Court on February 26, 1988 by claiming
                              "human  consumption  includes  drinking,  bathing,
                              showering, cooking, dishwashing, and maintaining oral
                              hygiene".   The response continues, "If an individual
                              uses the water provided for bathing ... [he] would be
                              exposed  to  contaminants  in  the  water  through
                              inhalation."

                        •     The proper citation for U.S. v. Midway Heights is 695
                              F. SUPP. 1072, Eastern District of California,  1988.
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E. COL/

Private Wells:           We had our wells tested and it came back positive for E.
                        co//.  What should we do now?

                        A private citizen from Illinois called because  E. co//' were
                        detected in a sample of water taken from his private well. He
                        wanted to know if it was safe to use the water for cleaning the
                        dishes.

                        •     It would be safe to wash the dishes in the water (even
                              if it had not been boiled)  so long as the plates were
                              dried completely immediately after washing.  This  is
                              because E. co// bacteria and bacterial pathogens prefer
                              warm moist surfaces.

                        •     Boiling the water for about one minute (except perhaps
                              at very high altitudes) will kill the pathogens that may
                              be associated with fecal contamination, as indicated by
                              the presence of E. co//' bacteria.

                        •     The health effects of E.  co//  found  at 40 CFR
                              141.32(e)(12).

                        •     The local health department may provide additional
                              information on well disinfection.

                        •     An order was taken for the caller to receive a copy  of
                              Citizen Monitoring:  Recommendations to  Household
                              Well Users (EPA 570/9-90-006), Drinking  Water from
                              Household Wells (EPA 570/9-90-013^ ",'otecting Our
                              Drinking Water From Microbes  (EPA 570/9-89-008),
                              and Home Water Treatment Units (EPA 570/9-90-HHH).
 HEALTH ADVISORY TABLE

 MCLGs:                How do I interpret the health advisory tables?

                        A  caller from  Texas  A &  M  University  wanted  help  in
                        understanding the health advisory tables contained in Drinking
                        Water Regulations and Health Advisories. He wanted to know
                        how the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) relates to
                        the amount of water that one consumes.

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                              In developing MCLGs, EPA calculations assume that
                              an individual consumes  two liters of water per  day.
                              The Federal Register at 56 FR 3532 states: "From the
                              RfD,  a drinking water  equivalc.it level  (DWEL)  is
                              calculated by multiplying the RfD by the assumed adult
                              body v. -'ght (generally 70 kr)  3nd then dividing by an
                              average daily water consumption  or 2 L per day."
HOME WATER
TREATMENT UNITS
Registration:             How can I register my filtration units with EPA?

                         A caller from Georgia asked how to register his home water
                         treatment units.

                         •     EPA neither regulates nor endorses specific brands of
                               home water treatment units; however, EPA regulates
                               certain chemicals used in these units. For example, if
                               a manufacturer impregnates a filter with silver which is
                               intended  to inhibit  the  growth  of bacteria  that
                               accumulate  within  the  filter,  then  the silver  is
                               considered a pesticide under the Federal Insecticide
                               Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

                         •     EPA's pesticide registration office may be contacted at
                               (703)305-7700  for  additional  information  on  the
                               registration requirements.

                         •     The caller was sent a copy of Home Water Treatment
                               Units: Filtering Fact From Fiction (EPA 570/9-90-HHH).

                         •     Additional information  on home water treatment units
                               is  available  by  contacting the  National  Sanitation
                               Foundation (NSF) at (313)769-8010.
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LABORATORY CERTIFICATION

National
Program:                Does  EPA  have  a  national  program  for  certifying
                        laboratories for drinking water testing?

                        •     Yes; EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water
                             is responsible for developing and  implementing the
                             national  certification program for  laboratories  that
                             analyze drinking water samples.

                        •     The ten  EPA  Regions  oversee  progress  of  the
                             certification programs in the States.

                        •     The regulations at 40 CFR 142.10(b)(4) require a State
                             that has  primary  enforcement  responsibility,  i.e.,
                             primacy,  to have laboratory facilities  avai'?ble which
                             have been certified by EPA.

                        •     An order  was taken for the caller to receive a copy of
                             Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing
                             Drinking Water (EPA 570/9-90-008) and the changes
                             to this manual (EPA 570/9-90-008A and EPA 812/K-92-
                             001).
LEAD AND COPPER

Monitoring:            A representative of a small Public Water System (PWS) in
                       Connecticut wanted to know the method to calculate the
                       90th percentile for 11 sample sites?

                       •    Title 40 CFR 141.86(c) states that the minimum number
                             of sampling sites for a PWS that serves less than 100
                             individuals is 5 samples, the minimum number of
                             sampling sites for a PWS serving 101 to 500 individuals
                             is 10 samples, and the minimum number of sampling
                             sites for a PWS serving 501 to 3,300 individuals is 20
                             samples. It was unclear why  this PWS had taken 11
                             samples; however, since it took 11 samples, the results
                             from all 11 samples needed to be reported and used
                             to calculate the 90th percentile to determine whether
                             the action level had been exceeded.
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                              Title 40  CFR  141.86(e) states: "The  results  of any
                              monitoring conducted in  addition to the  minimum
                              requirements of this section shall be considered by the
                              system and the State in making any  determinations
                              (i.e., calculating the 90th  percentile lead or  copper
                              level) under this subpart."

                              The State Public Water Supply Supervision contact in
                              Connecticut  may  provide  additional guidance  in
                              determining the 90th percentile.
Monitoring:             Are we required to conduct monitoring since we are a
                        consecutive water system?

                        A representative from a non-transient non-community water
                        system in Arizona wanted to know if they would be required
                        to monitor for  lead. The caller mentioned that they are a
                        consecutive system which receives its  source water from
                        another public water system.

                        •     Title 40 CFR 141.29 states that "When a public water
                              system supplies water to one or more other public
                              systems, the  State  may  modify  the monitoring
                              requirements imposed by this part to the extent that
                              the  interconnection of the systems  justifies treating
                              them as a single system for monitoring purposes.  Any
                              modified monitoring shall be conducted pursuant to a
                              schedule specified by the State and  concurred in by
                              the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection
                              Agency."

                        •     The caller was referred to the Arizona  Public Water
                              Supply Supervision contact for additional information
                              on  the monitoring  requirements  for   consecutive
                              systems.

                        •     In addition, because Arizona does not have primacy for
                              enforcement of the  Lead  and Copper  Rule (56 FR
                              26460 dated June 7,  1991), it was suggested that the
                              caller contact the Public Water Supply Section in EPA
                              Region IX at (415)744-1851 for additional guidance.
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Reporting
Requirements:          Am I required to report the results of all the tap water
                        samples to the State or just the 90th percentile?

                        •     Public Water Systems must report the results of all tap
                              water "aiples, including the 90th percentile  sample
                              result,  to  the  State  within  10 days  following the
                              completion of the monitoring period (Lead and Copper
                              Rule  Guidance  Manual  Volume  I:    Monitoring,
                              September 1991).

                        •     Title 40 CFR 141.90(a)(1)(i) states water systems must
                              report The results of all tap samples for lead and
                              copper including the location of each site and the
                              criteria under §141.86 (a)(3), (4), (5), (6), and/or (7)
                              under whicn the site was  selected for the system's
                              sampling pool;"...

                        •     Title 40 CFR 141.90 (a) (1) (iv) states that water systems
                              must  report "The 90th percentile lead and  copper
                              concentrations measured from  among all lead and
                              copper  tap water samples collected during  each
                              monitoring period  (calculated  in accordance  with
                              §141.80(c)(3))."...   This means  that in  addition to
                              reporting  all lead  monitoring results,  Public Water
                              Systems must designate the 90th percentile result.

Private Property:        Are  we  required to  notify our employees that we
                        exceeded the lead action level?

                        A consultant wanted to know if his client (the . .»ner of a small
                        business)  is responsible for informing his employees that the
                        business exceeds the action  level for lead.  The business
                        does not supply  or treat its own water.

                        •     The business does not appear to meet EPA's definition
                              of public water system, and therefore does not appear
                              to be subject to the Federal drinking water regulations.
                              It was suggested that the  consultant call or write his
                              State Public Water Supply Supervision contact since  it
                              is ultimately the State's responsibility to make decisions
                              regarding public water systems.
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                              Since the business does  not appear subject to the
                              Federal  drinking water regulations, it would not be
                              subject to the public education requirements of 40 CFR
                              141.85 which are triggered when the lead action level
                              is exceeded. The  business would not be required to
                              notify it* employees that it e'"^eded the action level.

                              Elevated lead levels in the human  body can  cause
                              serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system,
                              and red blood cells. The  greatest risks of short-term
                              exposure are to young child and  pregnant women.
                              Actions that may be taken to reduce lead in drinking
                              water include flushing pipes before drinking, using cold
                              water for consumption, installing point-of-entry or point-
                              of-use devices, and drinking bottled water.

                              The  caller  was sent Lead In  Your inking  Water
                              (EPA/810-F-93-001 dated  June 1993).
Water Quality
Parameters:            What are the water quality parameter (WQP) requirements
                        for  medium  systems  after  installation  of  corrosion
                        control?

                        A consultant  in Ohio  wanted  to  know what  the WQP
                        requirements were for medium systems after installation of
                        corrosion control.

                        •    A medium  system  must  compi;  with  40  CFR
                              141.86(dH2)(ii) which states that "Any small or medium-
                              size  system which installs optimal  corrosion control
                              treatment pursuant to §141.81(c)(5)  shall monitor
                              during two consecutive six-month periods by the date
                              specified in  §141.81(e)(6)."   Title 40  CFR 141.87(c)
                              states that "Any small or  medium-size system which
                              installs  optimal  corrosion  control  treatment  shall
                              conduct such  monitoring  during  each   six-month
                              monitoring period specified in §141.86(d)(2)(ii) in which
                              the system  exceeds the action level for lead  and
                              copper." Title 40 CFR 141.87(c) states that the system
                              must take two samples at taps ever; six months and
                              one  sample at  every  entry point to  the  distribution
                              system every two weeks.

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                              The characteristics for the WQPs are listed in 40 CFR
                              141.87(c)(1)  and  (2),  and  include pH, alkalinity,
                              calcium, conductivity, orthophosphate, silica, and water
                              temperature.

                              State specified WQPs are to be monitored according to
                              40 CFR 141.87(d).  The State Public Water Supply
                              Supervision  should  be contacted for  information
                              regarding those requirements.
PHASE II & V
Analytical
Methods:               What are the test methods for cyanide?

                        A caller from Alabama called to get information regarding the
                        proper test method for cyanide?

                        •     A table at 57 FR 31839 in the  Phase V Final  Rule
                              contained in the July 17, 1992 Federal Register, lists
                              the  analytical methods for cyanide.

                        •     The Phase V Final Rule preamble (57 FR 31800) states:
                              "EPA   concurred  with  commenters  that  it  was
                              appropriate  to  include  methods that determined
                              cyanide amenable to chlorination, or "free" cyanide.
                              For this reason NOA [the November 29, 1991 notice of
                              availability]  proposed to   add  a methodology for
                              amenable cyanide to the  list of approved methods.
                              The "total" cyanide methods are listed as well because
                              they are adequate to screen samples for cyanide.  If
                              the total cyanide levels are greater than the MCL, then
                              analysis for "free" cyanide should be performed to
                              determine whether there is  an MCL exceedance."
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Chrysene & Benz[a]
anthracene:
What are the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for
Chrysene and Benz[a]anthracene (BaA)?

A caller from Pennsylvania wanted to know the MCLs for
Chrysene and BaA?

•     EPA has not established MCLs for Chrysene and BaA;
      however, EPA proposed  MCLs of 0.0002 mg/l and
      0.0001 mg/l in the July 25,1990 Federal Register at 55
      FR 30409.

•     The preamble of the Phase V Final Rule (57 FR 31788
      dated July 17, 1992) states "In the July 1990 notice
      [the Phase V Proposed Rule dated July 25,1990], EPA
      discussed the  available  information  on the health
      effects,  occurrence  and  human  exposure for  15
      Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) [55  FR
      30396].   Of the 15 PAHs, seven were presented  in
      greater detail because of their carcinogenic potential
      (all   classified   as   Group  B2,   probable  human
      carcinogen),  and  were   proposed  for  regulatory
      consideration."   Chrysene and  Benz[a]anthracene
      (BaA) were  included on this list  but  were never
      finalized.

•     In the future, EPA may regulate Chrysene and BaA
      using a comparative cancer potency approach; the
      individual potencies  would be compared  to that  of
      benzo[a]pyrene.  Such regulation may be proposed at
      a future date when EPA has establisned a policy for
      how   such  a  comparative  approach  would  be
      conducted (57 FR 31788).
Monitoring:
 I need to know if the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)
 is  an  annual  average  based  on  some  sampling
 frequency?

 A caller from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Kansas
 wanted to know if  systems  can calculate  and report an
 average MCL for samples taken at each sampling point under
 the monitoring requirements presented in the Phase II Final
 Rule (56 FR 3526 dated January 30,  1991).
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                             Title 40 CFR 141.24(f)(15)(i) states: "For systems which
                             are conducting monitoring at a frequency greater than
                             annual, compliance is determined by a running annual
                             average of all samples taken at each sampling point.
                             If the annual average of any sampling point is greater
                             than th« MCL then the system is out of compliance.
                             If the  initial sample or a subsequent sample would
                             cause the annual average to be exceeded, then the
                             system is out of compliance immediately. Any samples
                             below the detection limit shall be calculated as zero for
                             purposes of determining the annual average."
SOC Sampling:
Where are the  regulations which delineate sampling
requirements for Synthetic Organic Chemicals (SOCs)?

An owner of a small public water system wanted to know
where in the regulations he could find the regulations for SOC
sampling.  He also wanted to obtain general information about
the regulations.

•     Title 40 CFR 141.24 explains monitoring and analytical
      requirements for SOCs.

•     These  requirements are  explained in the Phase  II
      Federal Register dated January 30,1991 (56 FR 3526),
      the Phase  V Federal Register dated July 17, 1992 (57
      FR  31776), and the Standard Monitoring Framework
      (570-9-91-045, dated February 1991).

•     The American  Water Works  Ass nation's Small
      Systems Hotline at 1-800-366-0107 may be contacted
      for additional assistance.
Waiver Criteria:
 I heard that if my well  is deep enough, I don't have to
 monitor for organic chemicals; is that true?

 An operator of a Community Water System in Georgia with a
 ground water source said that he had heard he could be
 exempt from monitoring for organic chemicals since he had
 a deep well. He was calling to confirm this.
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                              If previous use of an organic contaminant is unknown
                              or  if  a  contaminant has  been used  previously,
                              evaluating well depth is a criterion the State  uses to
                              assess the Public Water  System's application for a
                              waiver.

                              Well depth is considered by the State when granting a
                              waiver under 40 CFR 141.24(f)(8)(ii)(E) which states
                              that a State must consider "How well the water source
                              is protected against contamination, such as whether it
                              is a  surface or groundwater  system.   Groundwater
                              systems must consider factors such as depth of the
                              well, the type of soil, and wellhead protection."

                              Public Water Systems must apply to the State for a
                              waiver from monitoring and must m«et all the criteria
                              under 40 CFR 141.24 (f)(8) to the s'i.sfaction of the
                              State in its application.

                              The  State  Public Water  Supply  Supervision  office
                              should be contacted  for  details  concerning how to
                              apply for a waiver.
RADON

Testing:                 Our radon level for air was 1.7 pCi/l; should  we test our
                        water for radon?

                        A caller from Connecticut wanted to know if she should test
                        her water for radon since the air in her home was tested and
                        radon was detected. The caller's  drinking water is supplied
                        by a private ground water well.

                        •     EPA's Radionuclides in Drinking Water Factsheet dated
                              June 1991 presents an action guideline for radon in the
                              air as 4 pCi/l.  It states that "After testing the air for
                              radon and  finding levels  above EPA's current action
                              guideline of 4 pCi/l, homeowners with  private  wells
                              should consult with their State drinking water office to
                              obtain information on laboratories to test for radon in
                              water, and  test the water. After testing,  homeowners
                              should select the  mitigation strategy that is most cost-

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                             effective for reducing radon exposure for the individual
                             home."

                             The State Laboratory Certification Office in Connecticut
                             may be  contacted to obtain a list of laboratories
                             certified to test radon in drinking water samples.

                             Additional information regarding radon in air is available
                             from the EPA Radon Information Hotline at 1-800-SOS-
                             RADON or a State radon office.
RADIONUCLIDES
Polonium-210:           Is Polonium-210 regulated under the Safe Drinking Water
                        Act?

                        An environmental consultant from Colorado wanted to know
                        the drinking water regulations and health effects for Polonium-
                        210?

                        •     Polonium-210  is neither  regulated under  the  Safe
                              Drinking Water Act nor is proposed to be regulated.

                        •     The Radionuclides Proposed Rule contained in the July
                              18, 1991, Federal  Register  (56  FR  33079)  states:
                              "Polonium-210 is in the uranium-238 decay series, and
                              is the daughter of lead-210, the first long-lived daughter
                              of radon 222.... Effects in exposed humans including
                              hematologic changes, impairment of the liver, kidney
                              and reproductive organs, were reported ...".  It also
                              states that" The model [the RADRISK model used in
                              assessing polonium risk] estimates that Polonium at 14
                              pCi/l  in water (assuming  2 liters daily intake) would
                              pose  an approximate lifetime cancer risk of 1  x 10"4
                              [EPA, 1991 a]."

SECONDARY DRINKING
WATER REGULATIONS

Iron Bacteria:           What are iron bacteria?
                        A caller from New Hampshire wanted  to  know what  iron
                        bacteria are and how they can be removed.

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                        •     Iron bacteria are  bacteria that get energy from the
                              oxidation of iron when dissolved iron and oxygen are
                              present in the water.

                        •     EPA's  Manual of Individual and  Non-Public  Water
                              Supply Systems (EPA 570/9-91-004), states: "Under
                              certain conditions, the removal of iron compounds from
                              a  water supply  may  be more difficult due  to the
                              presence of iron bacteria.  When dissolved iron and
                              oxygen are present in the water, these bacteria get
                              energy  from the oxidation of the iron.  These bacteria
                              may give an unpleasant taste and  odor to the water,
                              discolor and spot fabrics  and  plumbing fixtures, and
                              clog pumps. Iron-removal filters or water softeners can
                              remove iron-bacteria:  however they  often become
                              clogged by the slime."

                        •     Information on home water treatment units is available
                              by contacting the National Sanitation Foundation (313-
                              769-8010) and the Water Quality Association (708-505-
                              0160).
STATE
CERTIFICATION

Monitoring:             Where in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) does it
                        state that the  analysis of a  compound  has  to be
                        conducted by a State certified laboratory?

                        A consultant from Georgia asked where in the CFR  does it
                        state that analysis  must be conducted by a State certified
                        laboratory.

                        •     Title 40 CFR 141.28 states that, "For the purpose of
                              determining  compliance with 141.21 through 141.27,
                              141.41, and  141.42 samples may be considered only
                              if they have  been  analyzed by a laboratory approved
                              by the State except that measurements for turbidity,
                              free chlorine residual, temperature, and pH may  be
                              performed by any person acceptable to the  State".
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TESTING

Pesticides:              How do I get my water tested?

                        A citizen from Florida called with a concern about pesticides
                        in his drinkn iy water. He had his home treated for termites
                        and the pest control company drilled into a water pipe and
                        injected pesticide into his water system. The caller is on a
                        public water system. The caller had health concerns and also
                        wanted information on correcting the situation.

                        •    The following should be contacted: (1) the local public
                             health department and public water system to inform
                             them of the incident and for information on how long to
                             flush pipes to make the water safe for drinking, (2) the
                             National Pesticide Telecommunications rNetwork (800-
                             858-PEST) for health effects information, and (3) his
                             State Laboratory Certification Office for a list of certified
                             laboratories that could analyze water samples for the
                             specific pesticide used.

TOTAL TRIHALOMETHANES (TTHMs)

Applicability:            What is the current TTHM standard for non-transient, non-
                        community water systems?

                        The Hotline  received the above call from a consultant.

                        •    The TTHM standard, or Maximum Contaminant Level
                             (MCL), cf 0.1  mg/l does not applv  *c  non-transient,
                             non-community water systems.

                        •    Title 40 CFR 141.12 states "The maximum contaminant
                             level  for  total trihalomethanes  ...  applies only to
                             community water systems which serve a population of
                             10,000 or  more  individuals  and  which  add  a
                             disinfectant (oxidant) to the water in any  part of the
                             drinking water treatment process."

                        •    The TTHM standard is based upon the sum of the
                             concentrations   of   bromodichloromethane,
                             dibromochloromethane,   tribromomethane,   and
                             trichloromethane.  The MCL for TTHMs is 0.10 mg/l
                              (40 CFR 141.12).

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USE OF HOTLINE NUMBER

Publication:                  An  engineer  with  the  United  States  Bureau  of
                             Reclamation requested permission to publish the Safe
                             Drinking Water  Hotline  telephone  number  in the
                             revised edition of The Ground Water Manual.  The
                             revised manual should be r Wished sometime in the
                             next six months.  He wanted to Know if the Hotline
                             could  pro/ide information on MCLs  and  monitoring
                             requirements.

                             The caller was informed that it would be appropriate to
                             publish the Hotline number and that the Hotline could
                             provide information on  drinking water  MCLs  and
                             monitoring requirements.

                       •     Background  information  was  sent  including:   The
                             Maximum Contaminant  Level L&  dPA  570/9-91-
                             012FS), The Phase VFact Steer (EPA 811/F-92-001),
                             The Safe Drinking  Water Hotline Fact Sheet  (EPA
                             812/FP-93-001) and selected ground water documents.
WELLS

Testing:               What should I test my household well for?

                       A household well owner from North Carolina asked the above
                       question.

                             EPA's   publication   Citizen   Monitoring:
                             Recommendations to  Household  Well Users  (EPA
                             570/9-90-006) recommends testing the well annually
                             for nitrate and total coliform levels. The document also
                             recommends  that  the homeowner  test  for  two
                             additional contaminants, radon and lead, at least once.

                             It was suggested that the caller contact her local health
                             department since it may test a  household well  for
                             nitrates and total coliforms.

                             A telephone number for the North Carolina Department
                             of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources was
                             provided to call for a list of State certified laboratories.

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             SPECIFIC WATER SYSTEMS/ENFORCEMENT ISSUES

Disinfection:            Why does  my water system not disinfect on a regular
                        basis?

                        A citizen from Louisiana complained about her local water
                        supplier.  She stated that the water system will not disinfect
                        the water  supply during particular  times because  the
                        disinfectant (chlorine) would be detrimental to the chickens
                        being raised. She stated that certain managers of the water
                        supplier also are involved in the chicken industry. She implied
                        that they were more concerned with the chickens' health
                        rather than the  health  of the citizens.  She  had been
                        monitoring chlorine levels in her tap water for two weeks
                        using a kit supplied by her local health department, and she
                        claimed that no chlorine  had been added to the v.ater supply.
                        The caller then went on to say that  the water has a greasy
                        feel to it and smells like sewage.

                        •     Public water systems using surface water and ground
                              water under the  influence of surface water (that is
                              determined to need  disinfection)  must  maintain a
                              disinfectant residual  of  .2 mg/l  at the  distribution
                              system.  The caller was unaware if her water source
                              was surface water, ground water under the influence of
                              surface water, or  ground water not under the influence
                              of surface water.  While she had monitored her water
                              for chlorine levels, there had been no notice of the
                              MCL for total coliform as having been violated.

                        •     The caller's concerns were relayed to Mr. T. Jay Ray
                              of the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of
                              Health and Hospitals,  and  Mr.  Craig Lutz, the EPA
                              Region 6 contact. Both said they were going to look
                              into the allegations made by the caller.

                              An order was taken for the caller to receive  the
                              following documents:   Is Your Drinking Water Safe?
                              (EPA 570/9-91 -005) and Protecting Our Drinking Water
                              from Microbes (EPA 570/9-89-008).
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                               MISCELLANEOUS

[The Hotline routinely responds to calls on topics that are not within the scope of the
project. Examples of these types of calls are provided below to illustrate the variety of
contacts handled by the Hotline.]
Cars
Can you remove my car from my neighbor's farm?  He
won't give it back!

A caller from Texas asked if we could get his car back from
his neighbor, who was keeping it on his farm.

•     The  Information  Specialist told  the caller that his
      request  was  outside  the  jurisdiction  of the  Safe
      Drinking Water Hotline.

•     However,  it was suggested  that  he might receive
      assistance from the local police department.
Copper Roofs:
Will rainwater fill my eggplants with copper?

An architect from California called to find out if there were
regulations with respect to the use of copper roofing. This is
a style of roof that she uses quite often in her designs and a
client had raised the question of rainwater running off the roof
and carrying copper that would show up in vegetables in an
adjacent garden.

•     The  Information Specialist  explained the scope of
      services provided  by the Safe  Drinking Water Hotline
      and suggested she call her local agricultural agent for
      information on plant uptake of copper.
Dust mites:
There are dust mites crawling all over my body.  How do
I get rid of them?
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                              The caller was informed that this Hotline  does not
                              answer questions on dust mites, but rather, on drinking
                              water regulations related to the  Safe Drinking Water
                              Act.

                              The CG...V,.  was referred to the Indoor  Air Hotline  at
                              (800)438-4318 because the Information Specialist knew
                              that the Indoor Air Hotline provides information on dust
                              mites.

                              The caller was also referred to the National Pesticide
                              Telecommunication  Network   (800-858-PEST)   for
                              information on  pesticides  that  could  be  used  to
                              exterminate dust mites, and the caller was referred to
                              her local health department.
Local Water
Quality:                  Can  you tell me which  city has  the best water in the
                         United States?

                         A citizen from South Carolina wanted information on the
                         location of the best tasting water in the U.S. so he could
                         move there.  He said that even the food prepared using his
                         local  area water tasted bad. He also commented that particle
                         radiation from  satellites was making  the water  radioactive
                         resulting in hair loss.

                         •     The caller was informed that  the Safe Drinking Water
                               Hotline  provides  information  relate^ to  the  Safe
                               Drinking Water Act and its regulations.  The Hotline
                               does not have information on local water quality.

                         •     The Information Specialist suggested that a granular
                               activated carbon filter might improve the taste of his
                               water.   No comment was made by the Information
                               Specialist about how to treat water contaminated by
                               radioactive particle beams from satellites.

                         •     The caller was referred to his  local library with the idea
                               that there could be  environmental guidebooks listing
                               the  best  places  to  live   in  the   U.S.  from  an
                               environmental standpoint.
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                              The  caller  was offered  a  copy  of  Home  Water
                              Treatment Units: Filtering Fact from Fiction (EPA 570/9-
                              90-HHH) and  referred to  the  National  Sanitation
                              Foundation at  (313)769-8010  Lo  receive additional
                              information on home water treatment units.
Rats:                   A rat fell into my well; I was able to fish half of him out.
                        Do you  know  how long it  will take the other half to
                        decompose?

                        A caller from South Carolina wanted to know how long it was
                        going to take for the rat to decompose in his well.

                        •     The Information Specialist responded that the question
                              was out of the jurisdiction of the Safe Drinking Water
                              Hotline.

                        •     It was recommended that the caller contact his local
                              health department.

                        •     A copy of Protecting our Drinking Water from Microbes
                              (EPA  570/9-89-008) was sent to the caller.
Transmission
Fluid:                   Is it illegal to paint a wood house with transmission fluid?

                        A citizen from Alabama said her neighbor was going to paint
                        his house with transmission fluid to elirn..iate any potential
                        insect problems he might have.  She wanted to report him.

                        •    The caller was informed that she had reached the Safe
                              Drinking Water Hotline which answers questions on
                              regulations and other issues related to  the Safe
                              Drinking Water Act and that her concern was outside
                              the scope of services provided by the Hotline.

                        •    The caller  was referred to her State environmental
                              organization to find out about the legality of this action.
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Water Quality
in France:               How safe is the drinking water in Paris?

                        A caller inquired about the safety of the water in France.  Her
                        granddaughter was leaving to  study in Paris for the fall
                        semester. She was concerned that her granddaughter might
                        become ill after consuming the water.

                        •     The   Information   Specialist  responded  that  the
                              information she wanted was out of the jurisdiction of
                              the Hotline.

                        •     The  Information  Specialist  provided  the  caller  the
                              number for INFOTERRA (202-260-7466). INFOTERRA
                              ia an international environmental referral and research
                              service coordinated by the United Nations Environment
                              Program. The Information Specialist suggested calling
                              them for information on the drinking water quality in
                              Paris.

                        •     To   avoid   acute   health   concerns  related   to
                              microbiological contaminants, her granddaughter could
                              follow  emergency  disinfection  techniques involving
                              boiling the water for one minute or using chemicals
                              such as chlorine bleach or iodine (Manual of Small
                              Public Water Supply Systems, Appendix E, EPA 570/9-
                              91-003, May  1991).
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     ATTACHMENT A






  REGULATIONS UPDATE
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                           REGULATIONS UPDATE

      The Regulations Update is current as of September 20, 1993.
Arsenic

In 1986  Congress  amended the  Safe  Drinking Water  Act  which,  among  other
requirements, mandated that EPA revise the NPDWR for arsenic. EPA did not promulgate
the rule in the 3 years as required by the statute. As a result, the Bull Run coalition filed
a suit requiring the Agency to promulgate a standard. The Agency signed a consent
order which laid out the process that the Agency would follow to resolve arsenic risk
assessment issues and issue regulations.  The dates in the original consent order have
been extended by mutual agreement of the parties. EPA is  now under a court-ordered
deadline to propose a rule by September 1994 and promulgate a rule by September
1996.

EPA received a study by Mr. Allan Smiih, University of California at Berkttoy, stating a
causal link between arsenic and internal cancer. The Science Advisory Board (SAB) was
briefed on the health study on February 9, 1993. At the April 1993 meeting of the SAB,
the Health Criteria Document for Arsenic was discussed. At  an SAB meeting on August
16, the arsenic health effects research was discussed. SAB  recommendations from the
August 16 meeting are still expected.

EPA has initiated  meetings  with the public to obtain data  related to arsenic's health
effects, occurrence, and exposure. The public is represented by industry, environmental
groups, and the general public. The first meeting was held June 1,1993, and a second
meeting is scheduled for no earlier than December 30,1993.  The American Water
Works Association (AWWA) met with EPA on September  16,  1993 to present
occurrence data. EPA has committed to a public sharing of information when its
analys.. ..» complete.

Colilert/Total Coliform Rule

The Final Total Coliform Rule (June 29, 1989, 54 FR 27544) included Colilert as an
approved  test method for  the analysis of total conforms under the new coliform
requirements, effective December 31, 1990. On January 8,  1991, EPA published in the
Federal Register two approved test methods for the analysis of E. coli.  Colilert was not
approved at that time and further tests for this method were  conducted during the
summer of 1991.  The Notice of Availability (NOA) of data from these tests was published
on September 27, 1991 (56 FR 49153).  A decision to partially approve Colilert for
detection of E. coli appeared in the Wednesday,  January 15, 1992 Federal Register (57
FR 1850).  As of January 15, 1992, laboratories are allowed to transfer a total coliform-
positive, MUG-negative culture by the MMO-MUG test to EC-MUG.  On June 10, 1992,

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 EPA released in the Federal Register (57 FR 24744) a decision to approve Colilert for
 detection of E. coli, with an effective date of June 10,1992.

 Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Rule

 The Disinfectants  and Disinfection By-Pr~Hucts (D/DBPs) Ru'~ was to be proposed in
 June 1993 in order for EPA to meet its court ordered deadline. A conceptual framework
 for regulating DBPs and Disinfectants was published by OGWDW on December 21,1990.
 EPA released the  "Status  Report on Development of Regulations for Disinfectants and
 Disinfection By-Products"  for comment on June 20, 1991. A model to estimate risks
 between pathogens  and  disinfectant/disinfection by-products was presented to  the
 Science Advisory  Board (SAB) on February 11, 1992. The Agency responded to the
 SAB's comments on the model at its meeting on April 13,  1992.  On April 30,  1992, the
 EPA Assistant  Administrator approved the Agency's  exploration of  a negotiated
 rulemaking process for this regulation.  On September 15, 1992, EPA published in the
 Federal Register  u  notice  announcing its intention to  proceed with  a negotiated
 rulemaking process.  Based on a public meeting held on Septembei °C-30, 1992,  the
 Agency proceeded with negotiated rulemaking (also called "Reg Neg").  A total of eight
 regulatory negotiation sessions were held, the last one ending June 23,1993.

 The parties to the  negotiated rulemaking reached agreement on all three rules (D/DBP,
 ICR, and ESWTR). Regulatory language for all three rules is complete and the parties are
 in agreement. The EPA is to propose the ICR in December 1993, and to promulgate
 the ICR in June 1994. EPA plans to propose the D/DBP Rule and the ESWTR in
 March 1994.

 Ground Water Disinfection Rule

 In June 1989, EPA promulgated disinfection requirements for surface water and ground
 water unde- the  direct influence of surface  water.  EPA must r.jw propose and
 promulgate disinfection requirements for ground water not under the direct influence of
 surface water.  This  will fulfill  the  statutory  requirements set  by the  1986  SDWA
amendments.

 EPA released for  comment "Possible Requirements of the Ground Water Disinfection
 Rule," dated June 20,1991. All comments received by October 15,1991 were considered
in the development of the Draft Rule. The Draft Rule was distributed during the week of
July 20, 1992 and a notice of availability appeared  in the Federal Register on July 31,
 1992 (57 FR 33960).   Comments on the Draft Rule received by September 30, 1992 will
be considered in the development of the Proposed Rule. EPA has entered into a Consent
 Decree which requires that a rule be proposed by August 1994 and promulgated by
August 1996.
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Lead and Copper Rule

The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on June 7,1991 (56 FR 26460) and
a correction notice concerning effective dates appeared in the Federal Register on July
15, 1991 (56 FR 32112). The effective date of this rule is December 7, 1932.  On June
29,1992, EPA released a notice in the Federal Register (57 FR 28785) correcting errors
in the text of the Final Rule.

This Final Rule established MCLGs of zero and 1.3 mg/l for lead and copper respectively.
The rule also promulgates treatment technique requirements that include corrosion control
treatment, source water treatment, lead service line replacement, and pubic education if
lead and copper  action levels are  exceeded.   Community water suppliers and non-
transient, non-community water suppliers are required to take samples at the consumers'
tap.  The number of samples is based on the size of the system. If 10 percent of the
required samples exceed the action level for lead (0.015 mg/l) or copper (1.3 mg/l), the
system will have to take the corrective actions.

The results of the first round of monitoring for the large systems were released on
October 20,1992. The second round of monitoring for these systems and the first round
of monitoring for medium systems was completed on January 1, 1993.  These results
were released on May 11,1993. Small systems were required to start monitoring on July
1,1993.  Guidance manuals for monitoring and corrosion  control treatment are available
through  the  National  Technical Information  Service,  the  Educational Resources
Information Center, and the American Water Works Association. EPA intends to propose
changes to this rule to clarify monitoring requirements in  the spring of 1994.

National Pesticide Survey

A report on a national survey of drinking water wells was released on November 13,1990.
Phase I of the survey tested 546 community and 783 rural domestic drinking water wells
for nitrates anc 126 pesticides and pesticide degradates.  Phase II of the survey was
released on January 9,1992 and  is a comprehensive analysis of factors associated with
the contamination of drinking water wells by pesticides and nitrates. In June 1992, the
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) were released. The QAPPs outline the standard
operating procedures followed to insure that the results of the National Pesticide Survey
are of known quality.  These  are available through the National Technical Information
Service.

Phase I Rule

The Phase I Rule established MCLGs and National Primary Drinking Water Regulations
for 8 volatile organic compounds (VOCs)   Also included  in the Phase I Rule are
monitoring requirements for 51 unregulated contaminants.  On July  8, 1987, the EPA
published the Final  Phase I Rule  (52 FR  25690).  A correction notice for the Final Rule

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was published on July 1, 1988 (53 FR 25108).  On July 1, 1991, EPA released the Final
Phase II-B Rule  (56 FR 25690).  This rule revised the monitoring requirements for the 8
VOCs in the Phase I Rule to the Standardized Monitoring Framework. Beginning January
1, 1993, the current monitoring requirements were synchronized with the Standardized
Monitoring Framework.  The framework is comprised of a 9-year compliance cycle and
is made up of three, 3-year compliance periods.  The first 3-year compliance period
extends from  1993 through 1995.

Phase II Rule

The 38 Phase II contaminants include 27 newly regulated contaminants and 11 previously
regulated contaminants that have been revised.  The Final Rule for 33 of 38 chemicals
was published in the Federal Register on January 30, 1991 (56 FR 3526). On the same
day, EPA reproposed fivfi of the previously proposed contaminants.  The five reproposed
chemicals (three forms of aldicarb, barium, and pentachlorophenol) were finalized (Phase
II-B Rule) and appeared in the Federal Register on July 1, 1991  (56 FR 30266).  This
notice also contained corrections to the January 30,1991 Final Rule and revisions to the
monitoring requirements of eight VOCs promulgated on July 8,1987 (52 FR 25690).  On
June 29, 1992, EPA released a notice in the Federal Register (57 FR 28785) correcting
errors in the text of the Final Phase II Rule.

Public water systems were required to begin initial monitoring January 1, 1993.  The 33
contaminants promulgated on January 30, 1991 were effective on July 30, 1992.  The
NPDWRs for barium and pentachlorophenol promulgated on July 1, 1991 were effective
on January 1, 1993.

Affected parties filed a petition to the EPA protesting the MCLs for ethylene dibromide,
dibromochloropropane, perchloroethylene, and polychlorinated biphenyls. On August 21,
1SC2 this petition was denied by the court.

Affected parties  have filed a petition to the EPA protesting the MCLs for aldicarb, aldicarb
sulfoxide, and aldicarb sulfone. They are questioning the scientific basis for these
standards. EPA published a stay of the Phase II Rule for these contaminants on May 27,
1992 (57 FR 22178), postponing the effective date.  While the stay is in effect, EPA has
been conducting a revised risk assessment for these contaminants that may change the
MCL and MCLG.  The risk assessment was presented to the  SAB on November 5-6,
1992. The draft final risk assessment was received from OST on December 1, 1992. A
Start Action Notice was initiated November 24, 1992 and signed on December 8, 1992
by Jim Elder, OGWDW.  The Agency is considering what regulatory action is appropriate.
EPA has completed a revised risk assessment for these contaminants, and is planning
to repropose  the drinking water standards for aldicarb, aldicarb sulfoxide, and aldicarb
sulfone by December 1993.  It is not likely that EPA will meet this deadline.
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Phase V Rule

The Final Phase V Rule was published in the Federal Register on July 17,  1992 (57 FR
31776).  The requirements for the 23 IOC and SOC contaminants in the Final Phase V
Rule will be effective by January 17, 1994-18 months after publication of the Final Rule
in the Federal Register.  The regulatic   includes MCLs, MCLGs, requirements for
monitoring, reporting, public notification, and Best Available Technologies (BATs) for water
treatment.

The Phase V Rule, following the Standardized Monitoring Framework, uses the 1993-1995
initial monitoring period for all contaminants for water systems with 150 or more service
connections.  Smaller systems are required to  monitor during the  1996-1998 monitoring
period.  Petitions for the withdrawal of nickel and beryllium are under review.  EPA and
the petitioner have failed to  reach agreement  on nickel.  The petitioner will either take
additional legal action or ornreed in some other manner.

Phase VI-B Rule

EPA  is  considering  contaminants  for  proposal.   Additional information  on  the
contaminants being considered is not public information. The health effects  Preamble for
the Proposed Rule was received on March 2, 1993.  EPA is anticipating the receipt of
national occurrence data and cost estimates. EPA is negotiating a schedule. The date
for this proposed rule has not yet been determined.

Primacy

On December 20,1989, EPA revised the Primacy Rule (54 FR 52126). In February 1990,
the National Wildlife Federation brought suit against EPA on two counts dealing with the
Primacy Rule.  The first count concerned the legality under the Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA> Amendments of 1986 of a 2-year extension that  EPA may g;~/it to States to
adopt primary enforcement responsibility for a rulemaking.  The second  count in the
lawsuit concerned EPA's discretion on when to withdraw Primacy from a State that has
a deficient Primacy Program and if EPA provided adequate public notice when changing
the Primacy withdrawal language. The National Wildlife Federation argued that EPA must
withdraw Primacy from deficient States, and not have the discretion to choose to withdraw
Primacy. On  November  28, 1990  (55  FR  49398), EPA  gave  notice  that it was
reconsidering the language in 40 CFR §142.17(a)(2) concerning the procedures that could
lead to withdrawal of State  Primacy. The Final Primacy Rule appeared in the Federal
Register on June 3,1992 (56 FR 25046). On February 15,1991, the court found in EPA's
favor that the 2-year extension is legal under the SDWA.  The issue concerning EPA's
discretion in determining when to initiate Primacy  withdrawal  was decided by the U.S.
Court of Appeals on December  11, 1992.  The court upheld EPA's position that it has
broad discretion in determining  whether a State  meets  Primacy conditions and if it is
failing to make adequate progress towards resolving its  deficiencies.  The court did

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however rule that once EPA makes this determination, it must initiate Primacy withdrawal.
The court remanded the rule to EPA.  EPA will be making modifications to its Primacy
regulations to conform with the court decision.  An Agency work group reviewed an
options paper in August 1993. A proposal package will be developed by the end
of 1993.

Radionuclides

The Proposed Rule was signed on June 18,1991 and appeared in the Federal Register
on July 18,  1991  (56 FR 33050). This notice proposes MCLGs and MCLs for four
radionuclides: radon, radium-226, radium-222, uranium and two radiological categories--
alpha emitters, and beta particle and  photon emitters.

The extended public comment period for this Proposed Rule was signed on October 15
and closed on November 15, 1991.  A notice regarding the extension appeared in the
October 18, 1991 Federal Register  on page 52241.  Public hearts were held on
September  6,  1991 in Washington,  D.C. and on September 12,  l"»i  in Chicago.
Transcripts from these hearings are available through the Office of Water Docket.  The
Agency has received approximately  600  comments.  OGWDW received the Science
Advisory Board's comments  on the Proposed Rule on January 9 and 29, 1992.  EPA's
response to these comments is still  pending. The original court-ordered deadline for
promulgation of the Radionuclides Rule was April 1993. EPA's Appropriations Bill, passed
in October  1992, permitted EPA to seek a court extension of the April  1993 date to
October 1,1993. On April 20,1993, the court extended the deadline to October 1,1993.
It will be difficult for EPA to meet this deadline.

The Appropriations Bill requires the Administrator of EPA to conduct a risk assessment
of radon that considers:  1)  the risk of adverse human health effects; 2) the costs of
controlling exposure to radon; and 3) the costs of radon control for small communities
and househ'iiHs.  The  reports to the Science Advisory Board (SAB; committees were
scheduled tor February 1993. Multimedia cost assessment information was presented to
the SAB on February  8,  1993, and  risk assessment information  was presented on
February 17,1993.  Comments from  the SAB were received during March 1993.

The  SAB reviewed the Agency's  study and submitted recommendations to the
Administrator by April or May, 1993.  The Administrator will report the Administrator's
findings and the recommendation  of the  SAB  to the Senate Committee on the
Environment and Public Works and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the  Report to Congress.  A Draft
Report to  the  United States Congress on Radionuclides in drinking water was
issued on July 15, 1993.  A Final Report to  Congress has yet to be sent to
Congress.
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Sulfate

Sulfate was one of the 24 contaminants proposed for regulation under the Phase V Rule
published on July 25, 1990 (55 FR 30370).  EPA decided to defer the rulemaking for
sulfate based on the public comments received on the Proposed Rule. As part of the
deferral, EPA is considering an implementation program that will target the populations
most affected by sulfate. EPA is under a consent order to propose the rule by October
1993 and to promulgate the rule by December 1994.

Surface Water Treatment Rule

The Final Rule was published on June 29,1989 (54 FR 27485). The effective date of this
Rule was December 31, 1990.  This Rule established maximum contaminant level goals
(MCLGs) for Giardia lamblia, viruses, heterotrophic plate count bacteria, Legionella, and
turbidity.   It promulgated National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for
public  water systems  using  surface  water, and requirements  for  disinfection  and
compliance, including filtration.

Public water systems that use a surface water source (or ground water sources under the
direct influence of surface water) were required to meet the criteria for avoiding filtration
specified in 40 CFR §141.71 by December 29, 1991, unless the State determined that
filtration is required.

Public  water systems that  use a surface water source and do not  provide  filtration
treatment were required to begin disinfection treatment by December 29,1991, unless the
State  had determined in writing that filtration was required.   Additionally, public water
systems that use a ground water source under the direct influence of surface water and
do not provide filtration were required to provide disinfection treatment by December 29,
1991.  A public water system that uses a surface water source that provides filtration
treatment must provide the disinfection treatment specified in 40 CFR §141.72(b) by June
29,  1993. Finally, public water systems that use  a surface water source or a ground
water source under the direct influence of surface water, and do not meet all of the
criteria for avoiding filtration, must provide disinfection treatment and filtration by June 29,
1993.

An Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule is expected to be proposed in March 1994
as a result of the Disinfection/Disinfection  By-products regulatory negotiation process.

URTH

On October 2, 1990 a Notice of Availability (NOA) for the draft guidance document was
published in the Federal  Register.  On  January 23,  1991, a workshop was held.
Currently, the Office of Science  and Technology is incorporating comments  from an
internal review of the draft final guidance, conducted in  December 1991.  A  Notice of

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Availability for the final guidance document is anticipated to appear in the Federal
Register. The draft guidance document has been revised and is awaiting clearance.
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Summary of Monthly Hotline
Statistics
      ATTACHMENT B
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                  SAFE  DRINKING WATER HOTLINE  CALLS
                      MONTHLY  SUMMARY  - AUGUST  1993


            CALL  LOAD                              NUMBER

            Total Incoming Calls (a)                5,026
            Calls Received and Answered (b)         3,611
            Hang-ups                                  480
            Night Calls (c)                           738
            Busy Signals (d)                        N/A
            Ratio of Calls Received and
                  Answered to Busy Signals  (d)       N/A
            Ratio of Incoming Calls to Hangups          10.5
            Mean Queue Time                           <40 seconds
            Average Calls per Day                     164

a/  Total incoming calls includes calls received  and answered by
    the Hotline, abandoned calls (i.e., hang-ups),  and  calls made
    to the Hotline outside of the Hotline hours of  operation.
b/  Calls logged by the Information Specialists.
c/  Night calls are those received outside  of the Hotline's operating
    hours, including weekends.
d/  Busy signal data from AT&T were not available (N/A) at  this writing.
LABAT-ANDERSON Incorporated

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                  SAFE  DRINKING WATER HOTLINE CALLS

                      MONTHLY SUMMARY  - AUGUST 1993
CALL TYPE:  Numbers for the following sections are  based  on  statistics
            gathered by the Information Specialists during August  1993.


      Total Number of Callers                           3611
      Subject Inquiries                                 3896
      Referrals                                         2085
      Document Requests                                 1627
[HIGHEST NUMBER OF CALLS
      A.  Type of Caller - Citizen                      2039
      B.  Geographic Region V                            607
      C.  Subject
            Question:        Lead                         716
            Documents:       Background/Overview          529
      D.  Referrals:         State  Agencies               715
[A.  TYPE OF  CALLER	|

      Analytical Lab                                      40       1.1%
      Citizen                                           2039      56.5%
      Consultants                                        836      23.2%
      Environmental Groups                                41       1.1%
      EPA HQ & Regions                                    42       1.2%
      Federal Government                                  45       1.2%
      Industry/Trade                                      46       1.3%
      Law Firms                                           17       0.5%
      Manufacturers                                       37       1.0%
      Media                                               22       0.6%
      Schools/Universities                                84       2.3%
      State/Local Government                              79       2.2%
      Water Suppliers
            Community                                    167       4.6%
            Non-Community                                 12       0.3%
            NTNC                                          28       0.8%
      Other                                               76       2.1%
I TOTAL                                                  3611    100*0%
     GEOGRAPHICAL AREA _  J

      EPA Region I                                       253       7.0%
      EPA" Region II                                      447      12.4%
      EPA Region III                                     594      16.5%
      EPA Region IV                                      556      15.4%
      EPA Region V                                       607      16.8%
      EPA Region VI                                      282       7.8%
      EPA Region VII                                     161       4.5%
      EPA Region VIII                                    155       4.3%
      EPA Region IX                                      393      10.9%
      EPA Region X                                       160       4.4%
      International                                        1       0.0%
[TOTAL      1                                            360$    100.0*
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                   SAFE  DRINKING WATER HOTLINE CALLS

                      MONTHLY  SUMMARY  - AUGUST 1993
 |c.   SUBJECT OF INQUIRY
       1.   NPDWRs
             a. Microbiological

                  Total Coliforms
                  SWTR
                  Phase Vl-a GW
                    Disinfection
                    Turbidity

             Subtotal
            b.  OB"
                  THM
                  Phase VI-a-DBP

            Subtotal

            c.  IOC/SOC

                  Phase I
                  Phase II
                  Phase IV
                  Phase Vl-b
                  Arsenic
                  Flouride
                  Sulfate

            Subtotal

            d.  Lead/Copper

            e.  Radionuclides

      Sub-total  NPDWRS
QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
75
37
14
I
127
12
1°
42
33
213
140
20
23
13
2
449
716
102
1436
1.9%
0.9%
0.4%
0.0%
3.3%
0.3%
0.8%
1.1%
0.8%
5.5%
3.6%
0.5%
0.6%
0.3%
0.2%
11.5%
18.4%
2.6%
36.9%
DOCUMENTS
REQUESTED
15
13
10
0
38
0
2
2
11
88
111
1
0
0
.0
211
289
40
580
0.9%
0.8%
0.6%
0.0%
2.3%
0.0%
0.1%
0.1%
0.7%
5.4%
6.8%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
13.0%
17.8%
2.5%
35.6%
      2.  Secondary Drinking
          Water  Reflations
54
         1.4%
                     29
                              1.8%
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                 SAFE DRINKING WATER  HOTLINE  CALLS

                     MONTHLY SUMMARY - AUGUST  1993
     3.  Other Drinking Water  Regulations
           Background/Overview
           Definitions/Applicability/Coverage
           DW Priority List
           Sodium Monitoring
           State Primacy & Indian Lands
           Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring
           Variances and Exemptions

     Subtotal
     4.   Other Drinking Water Topics

           Additives Program
           Affordability/Cost Implementation
           Analytical Methods (General)
           Bottled Water
           Compliance/Enforcement
                 Special Issues
                 Statistics
           Health Advisories
           Health Effects (Unregulated Contamin
           Home Water Treatment Units (tOU/POE)
           Household Wells
           LCCA/Lead Bans
           Local DW Quality
           Mobilization
           •'itional Pesticide Survey
           State Labaratory Certification
           Tap Water Testing
           Treatment Technologies (General)
           URTH
           Wellhead Protection
           Other

     Subtotal
QUESTIONS
ANSWERED
370
52
8
5
5
27
2
469
9
4
43
79
10
4
109
14
166
235
51
168
5
13
19
382
14
3
87
522
L937
9.5%
1.3%
0.2%
0.1%
0.1%
0.7%
0.1%
12.0%
0.2%
0.1%
1.1%
2.0%
0.3%
0.1%
2.8%
0.4%
4.3%
6.0%
1.3%
4.3%
0.1%
0.3%
0.5%
9.8%
0.4%
0.1%
2.2%
13.4%
49.7%
DOCUMENTS
REQUESTED
529
7
2
0
0
0
1
539
0
3
1
23
0
0
142
1
78
45
37
2
4
O
12
8
2
5
43
15
479
32.5%
0.4%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
0.0%
0.1%
33.1%
0.0%
0.2%
0.1%
1.4%
0.0%
0.0%
8.7%
0.1%
4.8%
2.8%
2.3%
0.1%
0.2%
0.5%
0.7%
0.5%
0.1%
0.3%
2.6%
4.0%
29.4%
TOTAL
                                                       3-09*0%
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                  SAFE  DRINKING  WATER HOTLINE  CALLS

                      MONTHLY  SUMMARY  -  AUGUST  1993
|D. REFERRALS
      1.   Drinking Hater Referrals
            a.  EPA HQ OGWDW ( PWS )
                  Docket

            b.  EPA HQ OGWDW (non-FWS]
                EPA HQ OGWPW (GWPD)

            c.  EPA ORD

            d.  EPA Regional
    6
   14

   13
   21

   43
0.3%
0.7%

0.6%
1.0%

2.1%
                  Region I
                  Region II
                  Region III
                  Region IV
                  Region V
                  Region VI
                  Region VII
                  Region VIII
                  Region IX
                  Region X
            Subtotal
            e. State Agencies
      Total
3
8
8
6
4
4
1
1
18
54
715
866









2.6%
34.3%
41.5%
            f.   External Referrals
                  American Water  Works  Association
                  Association  of  State  Drinking Water Administrators
                  Water Quality Association
                  FDA/International  Bottled Water Association
                  Local Public Health
                  Local Water  Systems
                  National Sanitation Foundation
                  NTIS/GPO/PIC
                  Trade
                  Other
            Total External
                           6
                          15
                         132
                          64
                         158
                         103
                         146
                          52
                           2
                         541

                        1219
                       0.3%
                       0.7%
                       6.3%
                       3.1%
                       7.6%
                       4.9%
                       7.0%
                       2.5%
                       0.1%
                      25.9%
                                                                               58.5%
 TOTAL REFERRALS
3085   100.0%
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