EMERGING CONTAMINANTS: ESTABLISHING SENSIBLE PRIORITIES

摘要

Trace levels of nearly all natural and synthetic materials can likely be detected in water if the most sensitive of analytical methods is applied. This is a function of entropy in nature and thus pure water free from any dissolved materials does not naturally exist on earth. While humankind has greatly altered the hydrologie cycle through water withdraws, diversions, and return flows, we have also discovered a diversity of anthropogenic substances in natural waters. Aside from coastal communities, the majority of municipal wastewater is discharged to surface water or groundwater which becomes, in part, the source of drinking water for a downstream community. In the United States, this has been recognized even in the earliest drinking water regulations. Therefore, the distinction between planned and unplanned water reuse begins to blur. This presentation and manuscript will discuss the regulatory framework established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health from contaminants in drinking water and begin the discussion as to whether or not potable regulations on chemical contaminants are sufficient for water reuse.