AWWA JAW57689

In the 22 years between the original passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 and the most recent SDWA reauthorization in 1996, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) finalized only nine regulations. Between 1998 and 2004, USEPA is expected to finalize 10 new regulations in just six years, an unprecedented level of regulatory activity. In addition to regulating more contaminants, the new rules are expected to be more complex because of the combination of stipulated treatment techniques and maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) that increase the number of potential violation codes. In addition, future MCL-based regulations are likely to address difficult-to- treat contaminants such as perchlorate, chromium- VI, and methyl tertiary butyl ether. An analysis of existing USEPA compliance data indicates that as regulations become more complex the number of violations increases. Compliance with the new regulations will challenge all utilities, particularly small systems. The author proposes several strategies for water providers as they attempt to address the complexities of these upcoming regulations. The strategies include finding qualified consulting engineers familiar with all details of the upcoming regulations, educating not only utility personnel but also elected officials and customers about the new rules, and seeking out any and all potential sources of funding assistance. Utilities' success in meeting their compliance goals will depend on active planning and early fundraising to support construction, operation, and maintenance of the required treatment. Includes 28 references, table, figures.