Beyond the NDWAC workgroup review of potential LCR revisions, activity on other potential drinking water regulations continues to be slow.
The next round of proposed regulatory determinations stemming from the third Contaminant Candidate List (CCL3) are overdue. The rule proposal package submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cleared that review this spring, but has been lingering at EPA since. Speculation is that EPA will wait until after the fall elections and publish a regulatory determination proposal by the end of 2014. Chlorate, nitrosamines, and strontium continue as top contenders for a positive regulatory determination(s).
Regulatory efforts are still in the very early stages, but one issue that has seen a large uptick in attention is harmful algal blooms and resulting algal toxins such as microcystin. Recent comments from EPA suggest a health advisory for microcystin is likely to come prior to next summer’s algal bloom season. Microcystin is also on the short list for UCMR4 monitoring, and given recent events and emphasis on algal toxins, very likely to make the final cut.
Efforts to develop the scientific supporting materials for other potential regulations, including finished water storage tank inspection and cleaning requirements, perchlorate, carcinogenic VOCs and chromium VI continue, but any proposed regulations are not expected until 2015 or later. AMWA continues to closely monitor all ongoing drinking water regulatory initiatives and will consult with the membership and provide comment as opportunities arise.