EPA is mandating a ten-fold decrease in the level of arsenic in drinking water. This thread is to keep track of developments and companies affecting the change.
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Tenfold Arsenic Reduction in Drinking Water Proposed
In a move to significantly reduce public health risks, EPA is proposing a tenfold reduction in the amount of arsenic allowed in drinking water, from 50 to 5 parts per billion, a proposal that would provide increased protection from cancer and other health problems for over 22 million Americans
EPA estimates that the proposed reduction will provide additional protection from cancer and other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as developmental and neurological effects.
While all 54,000 community water systems would be subject to the new standard, the expectation is that only 12 percent of the systems, about 6,600, would need to take corrective actions to meet the new standard. Systems in western states and parts of New England and the Midwest that depend on underground drinking water will be most affected by this proposal.
In general, arsenic can contaminate drinking water through natural processes such as erosion of rocks and minerals. Contamination also can occur when the arsenic is used for industrial purposes. Arsenic is found at higher levels in underground sources of drinking water than in surface waters such as lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
Public comments on the proposal can be submitted until August 24, 2000
epa.gov |
