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For approximately 30 years, the US Public Health Service and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) offered advisory opinions on the potential health effects of polyelectrolyte coagulant products used in drinking water treatment. In April 1990, the USEPA transferred this responsibility to a consortium of organizations led by the National Sanitation Foundation. Although more than 1,000 polyelectrolyte products were accepted for use by the USEPA, evidence suggests that probably fewer than 10 to 15 different types of polymer compounds are represented. Contaminants such as epichlorohydrin and acrylamide, which are of significant health concern, are associated with these product formulations.

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This article reports results of a survey of water utilities in the United States that use alum as a coagulant and have measured the concentration of total aluminum (Al) in their filtered water. Survey results suggest that effective removal of particulate matter minimizes residual Al levels, especially when raw water contains elevated concentrations of total Al. Results further indicate that lime used for pH adjustment following filtration may be an important source of residual Al.