EPA, Water
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to allow higher levels of contaminants such as arsenic in the drinking water used by small rural communities, in response to concerns that they cannot afford to comply with the newly imposed limits.
The proposal would change a rule that went into effect earlier this year and make it permissible for water systems serving 10,000 or fewer residents to have three times the level of contaminants allowed under that regulation.
About 50 million people live in communities that would be affected by the proposed change. In the case of arsenic, the most recent EPA data suggest that as many as 10 million Americans are drinking water that is below the new federal standards. More EPA water information.
April 12, 2006 6:48 AM | Category: Chemicals