Simultaneous Compliance: Take a Balanced Approach

Abstract

This article discusses the growing complexity of Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations, and how small water systems may find that treatment practices for complying with one regulation will affect compliance with other regulations. The article discusses potential concerns with simultaneous compliance and disinfection byproduct rules and surface water treatment rules, along with problems when using disinfectants as oxidants for treating certain issues. The article lists considerations for using alternative technologies for total organic carbon removal. Chemical stability vs. DBP risks, microbial contamination, and conflicts between the Ground Water Rule and the Arsenic Rule including arsenic release, oxidation of arsenic and dissolved metals, membrane compatibility, and pH adjustments are all discussed.