UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                     GUIDANCE FROM HOTLINE COMPENDIUM
                                                                             WSGH15
                                                             Date Issued:  October 1988
SUBJECT:   Determination of MCLGs and MCLs

SOURCE:    Jennifer Orme
How does the EPA establish the MCLG and MCL for a particular contaminant?  More
specifically, what level or range of health risk is considered when establishing the two levels?

       Response:

       An MCLG is a maximum contaminant level goal, which is an aspirational goal.  An
       MCLG indicates the ideal level of protection that can be provided against any adverse
       health effects that may be experienced after exposure to a given contaminant through
       drinking water.  The EPA determines a level for each contaminant, which is considered
       an "acceptable level of risk" for all members of the population.

       These levels will vary according to the health effects associated with each contaminant.
       For non-carcinogenic contaminants, the MCLG is based on the Agency Verified
       Reference Dose, adjusted for drinking water exposure.  For known or probable
       carcinogens, there is no threshold level that is considered "acceptable."  Upon direction
       from Congress, the EPA set MCLGs for carcinogens at "zero."

       The EPA also establishes a maximum contaminant level (MCL) or specifies a treatment
       technique for each contaminant.

       Unlike the MCLG, the MCL is an enforceable regulation that the EPA considers
       practically and feasibly attainable; the MCL must be maintained by the PWS. In many
       cases,  such as the non-carcinogenic contaminants, the MCL is equivalent to the MCLG,
       because the EPA believes that the PWS can provide this level of protection.  For
       carcinogenic contaminants, however, the Agency realizes that it is most likely impossible
       to completely eliminate the contaminant and does not set an MCL at "zero."  Rather, the
       EPA sets a level that can be attained, given available technology and resources.  The
       level usually falls into the excess cancer risk range of 1 in 10,000 (10"4) to 1 in 1,000,000
       NOTE:  This response slightly differs from the version published in the October, 1988
       Monthly Report.  The Office of Drinking Water determined a need to re-evaluate the
       original response.

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