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APPLICATION OF USEPA'S DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS TOWARDS RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS
Citation:
Lye, D J. APPLICATION OF USEPA'S DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS TOWARDS RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS. Presented at ARCSA Conference, Austin, TX, August 21-23, 2003.
Impact/Purpose:
Use animal studies to validate molecular-based assays concerning the virulence of microorganisms. Identify pathogenic strains of bacterial species known to include opportunistic pathogens and identify currently unknown opportunistic pathogens among the heterotrophic bacteria that occur in drinking water or biofilms.
Description:
Rainwater harvesting is receiving increased attention worldwide as an alternative source of drinking water. Although federal agencies such as the USEPA acknowledge the existence of rainwater collection systems, the monitoring of this water source is still typically carried out by individual state or regional health agencies. States such as Texas, Ohio, and Hawaii are developing guidelines for the use and maintenance of these types of systems. It is most likely that this water source will eventually be regulated like other public drinking water sources according to the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986. Whenever governmental agencies become involved in regulating systems, there are a number of challenges in complying with their sometimes complex regulations. Under present guidelines, collected rainwater will be characterized as a type of surface water. Existing EPA regulations for surface water sources will be discussed along with steps users can take to understand what will be needed to meet this type of regulatory activity.
This is an abstract of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy. The actual presentation has not been peer reviewed by EPA. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.