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Protect Source Waters and Distribution Systems
Under the SDWA Amendments, States are required conduct source water assessments and produce studies or reports that provide basic information about the drinking water in each public water system (i.e., delineation, inventory and susceptibility). To help States and local authorities identify the land areas that contribute to the infiltration of surface water into public water supply wells, NERL researchers are developing and evaluating wellhead protection decision support tools. In addition, to help State and local authorities identify potential sources of human fecal contamination of drinking water sources, NERL researchers are investigating the feasibility of using PPCP detection as indicators of human fecal contamination. To help implement existing regulations, NERL researchers are also evaluating contaminant releases from distribution system and treatment residual solids.
- Distribution system and treatment residual solids: NERL has developed extraction techniques to assess the oxidation state of arsenic on iron treatment residuals and distribution system solids. Future research may evaluate how various drinking water chemistries and treatment changes may influence the release of arsenic. Other metals, such as lead and uranium, may also be investigated.