On November 18, EPA released “Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water.” The document was developed in response to passage of the Drinking Water Protection Act (Public Law 114-45), which amends the Safe Drinking Water Act and directs the EPA Administrator to submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water.
At the core of the strategic plan is an ongoing, comprehensive effort to assess all available scientific data to determine the additional steps necessary, including the potential issuance of additional Health Advisories, regulations or guidance, to combat cyanotoxin health risks. The plan is responsive to a variety of stakeholder feedback, including statements from AMWA that emphasized the need for a focus on source water protection efforts, assessment analytical methods and proactive stakeholder engagement. AMWA plans further outreach to EPA on specific issues related to the plan in the coming months.