EPA Proposes Far-Reaching Regulations for Reducing Synthetic Organics in Drinking Water

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EPA Proposes Far-Reaching Regulations for Reducing Synthetic Organics in Drinking Water

Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1978, Vol. 48, Issue 3, Pg. 69-71

Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

In late January, 1978, EPA proposed far-reaching regulations for reducing synthetic organic chemicals in drinking water, bringing about the most sweeping changes in the water-treatment industry in more than half a century. EPA's proposed regulations call for all 390 water systems serving more than 75,000 people reduce trihalomethane concentrations to 100 ppb or below; and (2)to install granular activated carbon treatment. These systems provide water for a total population of 100 million�� 52% of the total population served by community water systems. Not all these systems would have to put in granular activated carbon. Only 86 of the systems have total trihalomethane levels above 100 ppb. And only 50 water systems have sufficient industrial pollution upstream to justify putting in the granular activated carbon. The total national capital expenditure needed to comply with these combined regulations is estimated to be between $291,000,000 and $685,000,000, depending on carbon regeneration frequency and other variables.

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