EPA Releases Information on Perchlorate Reductions in Drinking Water
Today (5/14), EPA released information on reductions of perchlorate in drinking water due to actions that the drinking water community and the agency have taken to mitigate this contaminant and protect public health. The Agency is also providing information for drinking water utilities on perchlorate.
Since EPA made a determination to regulate perchlorate in drinking water in 2011, perchlorate reductions have occurred due to actions taken by EPA, states and public water systems. The main factors contributing to the decrease in perchlorate levels include:
- Improved procedures for storage and handling of hypochlorite solutions used as drinking water disinfectants.
- Remediation activities at 60 Superfund sites to address perchlorate.
- Drinking water regulations for perchlorate in Massachusetts and California.
- Federal and state remediation activities at perchlorate contaminated sites, particularly the ongoing remediation efforts in the state of Nevada to address perchlorate contamination in groundwater adjacent to the lower Colorado River upstream of Lake Mead.
Last year, on June 26, 2019, EPA published the notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on a range of options regarding the regulation of perchlorate in public drinking water systems. EPA is in the process of developing a final action that reflects comments received on the Agency’s proposal and the Agency’s final action will be issued in June to meet a court-ordered deadline. .
