EPA to Seek Tougher Limits on Arsenic in U.S. Water

Sept. 11, 2001

The Environmental Protection Agency will pursue a limit on naturally occurring arsenic in drinking water that will be as tough, or tougher, than limits proposed by the Clinton administration, according to today's issue of The Washington Post.

A National Academy of Sciences report, due for release today, found the health risks from arsenic, a carcinogen, were much higher than thought. The report prompted EPA leaders to seek a much stricter standard than the current 50 parts per billion, the Post said.

"We are not going to go above 10 parts per billion," said an unnamed EPA official quoted by the newspaper. "That's just not going to happen."

Some 13 million Americans routinely drink water with more than 10 parts per billion of arsenic, according to the EPA.

The Bush administration has faced repeated criticism for deciding last March to make its own assessment of the proper limit. In its final days, the Clinton administration proposed 10 parts per billion, the standard in most developed nations.

The House of Representatives and the Senate have voted for tougher limits on arsenic, the Republican-led House specifying the 10 parts per billion standard.

Source: Reuters

Sponsored Recommendations

Blower Package Integration

March 20, 2024
See how an integrated blower package can save you time, money, and energy, in a wastewater treatment system. With package integration, you have a completely integrated blower ...

Strut Comparison Chart

March 12, 2024
Conduit support systems are an integral part of construction infrastructure. Compare steel, aluminum and fiberglass strut support systems.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

Feb. 7, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.

Blower Isentropic Efficiency Explained

Feb. 7, 2024
Learn more about isentropic efficiency and specific performance as they relate to blowers.