INDUSTRIAL WASTE RISK and MANAGEMENT in Drinking Water Sources

摘要

Industrial waste production is a reality of life. Management of waste discharges from manufacturing, agriculture and other processes involves making a series of decisions influenced by the level of known, or perceived, risks and best practice approaches. In 1972, the Clean Water Act (CWA) was implemented by the US EPA to control pollutant discharges from point sources into navigable waters. Discharge levels are now controlled by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, which is designed to limit contaminant levels in water to below admissible standards. While these regulations and related programs have dramatically improved the tracking and management of industrial waste pollution, many data gaps have been identified, leading to uncertainty in exposure and risk assessments. POU drinking water treatment provides one of the few options where individuals can exercise control over potentially harmful pollutant exposures.