WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 16, 2005 (U.S. Newswire) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday signed the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproduct Rule and the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR). These rules seek to improve the quality of drinking water in a manner that maintains strong protection against waterborne disease while controlling the formation of disinfection byproducts. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) was a participant on a diverse federal advisory committee that provided input during the rule's development. Jack Hoffbuhr, executive director of AWWA, issued the following statement concerning today's signing:
"Today's signing represents the latest step in an extensive stakeholder-based rulemaking process. AWWA is hopeful that in finalizing these two rules, EPA has incorporated input from the diverse and engaged stakeholders represented on its federal advisory committee. The purpose of the standards is to maintain strong disinfection of drinking water while continuing efforts to reduce levels of disinfection byproducts. We look forward to reviewing the final rules, and working with drinking water utilities to implement their contents.
"Together, the Stage 2 and Long-Term 2 rules are the newest measures in a multi-barrier approach to providing safe drinking water. The two rules were developed simultaneously to balance known risks associated with microbial pathogens and potential risks associated with exposure to disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
"These rules may require dramatic treatment changes at significant costs in some communities. In small communities, these new costs will sometimes be borne by a small pool of ratepayers.
"The drinking water community is committed to providing high- quality water that maximizes public health protection and minimizes potential health risks. As part of that ongoing commitment, we will continue to support the development of promising new treatment and monitoring technologies. We will also support research into potential health effects associated with contaminants like those addressed in these rules."
AWWA (www.awwa.org) is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
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For related EPA rules information, see:
-- Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR or LT2 Rule)
-- Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT1ESWTR)
-- Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR)
-- Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
-- Microbial and Disinfection Byproduct Rules
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