EPA To Reduce Arsenic in Drinking Water

May 26, 2000
EPA yesterday took\r\nsteps to reduce the limit for arsenic allowed in drinking water to\r\none-tenth the current standard in an effort to reduce cancer\r\nrisks.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday took steps to reduce the limit for arsenic allowed in drinking water to one-tenth the current standard in an effort to reduce cancer risks.

The agency is proposing to reduce the arsenic allowed in drinking water from 50 parts per billion to 5 parts per billion.

The proposal would provide additional protection to at least 22.5 million Americans from cancer and other health problems.

"Our tap water is among the safest in the world, with more than 90 percent of Americans served by community water systems receiving water that meets tough federal standards," said EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner. "Since 1993, 23 million more Americans receive water that meets tough federal health standards. We will continue to take actions to protect public health by strengthening existing standards when necessary, as we are doing today."

In March 1999, the National Academy of Science (NAS) completed a review of updated scientific data on arsenic and recommended that EPA lower the standard as soon as possible.

Although the NAS did not recommend a specific numeric level, its recommendation formed the basis for EPA''s proposal.

All 54,000 community water systems, serving 254 million people would be subject to the new standard.

However, EPA estimates that only 12 percent of community water systems, approximately 6,600, would need to take corrective actions to lower arsenic levels in drinking water to 5 parts per billion.

In general, arsenic can contaminate drinking water through natural processes, such as erosion of rocks and minerals.

Arsenic can also contaminate drinking water when used for industrial processes. It is found at higher levels in underground sources of drinking water than in surface waters, such as lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.

Water systems in western states and parts of the Midwest and New England that depend on underground sources of drinking water will be most affected by this proposal.

Arsenic in drinking water can cause cancer and other health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as developmental and neurological effects.

EPA is asking for public comment for 90 days about lowering the standard. After reviewing the comments, a final rule could be put in place by early 2001.

Additional information on safe drinking water is available at www.epa.gov/safewater.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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