Built to Support Utilities
We’re building a future with SAMS where public utilities serve their communities with confidence. Request your personalized demo today.
- 602-759-1905
Microbial/Disinfection Byproducts Rules Updates
As a result of findings from the Third Six-Year Review of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR), as required under the Safe Drinking Water Act, subsequent litigation (i.e. 2020 Waterkeepers Alliance v EPA settlement agreement), and informed by additional data and information from the 4th Six Year Review (evaluation currently underway) the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated an effort to review microbial and disinfection byproduct rules with the intent of finding opportunities for better public health protection and publish a notice of final rulemaking by September 30, 2027.
Rules reviewed by EPA
The review includes requirements in the following rules:
• Surface Water Treatment Rule, 1989 (54 FR 27486)
• Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, 1998 (63 FR 69478)
• Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, 1998 (63 FR 69390)
• Long-Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, 2002 (67 FR 1812)
• Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule, 2006 (71 FR 388)
Five Topic Areas
EPA conducted a series of meetings in 2021 to review topics to be addressed in the review, informed by a series of issue papers. Five topic areas were identified. These are as follows:
• Disinfectant Residual Levels and Opportunistic Pathogens (including Legionella)
• Regulated and Unregulated Disinfection Byproducts and Consecutive Drinking Water Systems
• Distribution System Issues/Tools and Finished Drinking Water Storage
• Source Water Protection Considerations and Precursor Treatment/Removal
• Sanitary Surveys and Water Safety Plans
Upon completion of the stakeholder meetings EPA requested that the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) provide recommendations to EPA on potential improvements to the MDBP rules. In addition, EPA also requested the NDWAC to convene a Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts Rule Revision Working Group (MDBP Rule Revisions WG) that will develop specific recommendations for the NDWAC to consider.
EPA Consensus Recommendation Topics
EPA is seeking consensus recommendations, where possible, on the following topics:
• Disinfectant residuals and opportunistic pathogens
• Regulated and unregulated DBPs
• Finished water storage facilities
• Distribution system water quality management
• Source water approach, including DBP precursor removal
• Mischaracterized ground water under the direct influence of surface water (GWUDI) systems
• Sanitary Surveys
• Water Safety Plans
• Consecutive and small systems
There will an emphasis on environmental justice and concerns of and impacts to disadvantaged and historically underserved communities as part of the process.
How will this affect SAMS?
The MDBP Rule Revisions WG held their first meeting on May 23, 2022. It is anticipated meetings will continue into the middle of 2023. We will keep you updated on discussion topics and potential future regulatory developments.
NJBSoft is watching these developments and will update SAMS compliance databases to meet client needs when they are final and become effective.
California Direct Potable Reuse Regulations What Are California Direct Potable Reuse Regulations...
Arizona Advanced Water Purification Rules (A.A.C. R18-9-A801) Overview of Terminology The term...
Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Introduction Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Defined Direct Potable Reuse...
Final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation: What Utilities Need to Know Overview of the...
Final Lead Copper Rule Improvements This is an update to the article titled “EPA Releases...
About The Author
At NJBSoft, we’re proud to collaborate with experts like Robert Hollander, P.E., whose extensive experience in water quality and regulatory compliance allows us to design SAMS in order to meet industry needs. Bob’s leadership and deep industry knowledge supports utilities in staying organized, compliant, and focused on protecting public health every day.
Robert Hollander
- 45 years of experience in water quality, regulatory compliance, and utility management
- President of Hollander Consulting Services
- Held senior roles at the City of Peoria, City of Phoenix, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
- Served as President of the AZ Water Association and the Western Coalition of Arid States
- Licensed Professional Engineer in Arizona with multiple Grade 3 operator certifications
Share:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Discover more from SAMS
Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.
Continue reading