Sludge Watch ==> EPA Picks Chemicals, Microbes For Possible Regulation in Drinking Water

[Maureen Reilly]

Even though the EPA acknowledges the presence of pharmaceuticals in drinking 
water they ignore them in their latest regulatory exercise. Could this 
possibly be because in most instances the problem is simply beyond control? 
Perhaps it's time to think about local regulations of our own as so many 
other cities around the country are doing.  (Admin: thanks Dan)
.................


EPA Picks Chemicals, Microbes For Possible Regulation


EPA is scrutinizing 93 chemicals and 11 microbes for possible regulation as 
contaminants in drinking water. The chemicals on the draft Contaminant 
Candidate List released by the agency last week include a variety of 
pesticides and compounds formed from the breakdown of pesticides. Other 
compounds are perfluorooctanoic acid, used in making nonstick cookware; 
perchlorate, a component of rocket fuel; ethylene glycol, found in some 
antifreezes; the refrigerant HCFC-22; and methanol. No pharmaceuticals are 
listed.

The draft list also includes the hepatitis A virus and six bacteria that 
cause gastrointestinal illness. The chemicals and microbes on the draft list 
are not regulated in drinking water but are known or anticipated to occur in 
public water systems. After the list is finalized, the agency will launch a 
detailed evaluation of the contaminants' occurrence in drinking water and 
their health effects.

The draft list is available at www.epa.gov/safewater/ccl/ccl3.html