EPA Tightens Microbial Standards for Small Drinking Water Systems
EarthVision Environmental News

WASHINGTON, January 15, 2002 - The US Environmental Protection Agency has stepped up its requirements for small drinking water systems when it comes to Cryptosporidium and other disease causing microbes. Small drinking water systems, which are classified as those serving fewer than 10,000 people, bring water to about 18 million Americans. EPA notes that this rule is already in force for large drinking water systems.

The new rules mean small systems have three years to put in place the best available technology to remove 99 percent of Cryptosporidium through enhanced filtration. Cryptosporidium spores are tough enough that they cannot be eliminated by commonly used disinfectants, such as chlorine, and must instead be captured through enhanced filtration techniques.

Cryptosporidium, found in animal wastes, can cause intestinal problems and possibly death in some vulnerable populations. The largest reported incidence of Cryptosporidium contamination was documented in 1993 in Milwaukee, when over 400,000 residents became sick and 50 people died.

EPA said estimates that the annual cost of the rule will be $39.5 million, which is broken down into an average annual household cost of about $6.24.

For more information, see the Final Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.