The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed two actions which impact drinking water systems. Both decisions would benefit from information AWWA is collecting from members.
- Data is needed to communicate to EPA how the timing of requirements that chlor-alkali manufacturers end their use of asbestos membranes impacts the available supply and associated price of chlorine and related products used for water and wastewater treatment. EPA is currently evaluating the market implications of its proposed action without factoring in chemical pricing as experienced by the water sector.
- EPA proposed to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The agency must consider the feasibility, as well as the net benefits (benefits minus costs), in setting a drinking water standard. Please use the following link to provide information about your experience estimating the cost of PFAS treatment and factors that will affect how quickly systems can design, finance and construct PFAS treatment.
Note: There is also a separate question regarding reliance on and access to potassium permanganate due to recent events affecting domestic production capacity.
Your response to these information requests would be greatly appreciated. AWWA is drafting comments and will use the information you provide in preparing those submissions. Individual members can also comment directly to each of these respective dockets at https://www.regulations.gov (i.e., Asbestos – Part 1, EPA-HQ-OPPT-2021-0057; PFAS Drinking Water Standard, EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0114). Comments are due April 17 and May 30 respectively.
Questions regarding both surveys can be directed to federalissues@awwa.org.