The USEPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations currently regulate asbestos with an established a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for asbestos in drinking water of 7 MFL (million fibers per liter > 10 µm in length).
“EPA is proposing a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) to establish legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for six PFAS in drinking water. PFOA and PFOS as individual contaminants, and PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS, and HFPO-DA (commonly referred to as GenX Chemicals) as a PFAS mixture.
Tap water samples were analyzed for 42 PFAS in 376 municipalities within 17 administrative regions in Quebec and it was found that 99.3% of the tap water samples were positive for at least one PFAS.
Health Canada is proposing an objective of 30 ng/L for the sum of total per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected in drinking water. Total is defined by a couple of USEPA methods or a method that can detect at least 18 PFAS. Also of note is that they state “For the purposes of this proposed objective, a result of non-detect is considered to have a value of zero.”
A paper recently published in the journal Water Research provides some hard evidence to suggest that climate change is related to, or associated with, cyanobacterial occurrence (it is hard to even describe the connection between the two given some uncertainties).
Emma Blackburn, PhD Candidate & Monica Emelko, Scientific Director of the WaterSTP group, share insights into new research focused on biofiltration in the latest Water Canada Magazine issue.
It is proposed that a maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 0.006 mg/L (6 μg/L) be established for antimony in drinking water. This is the existing MAC (i.e. unchanged). The text I have highlighted in yellow below briefly explains the need for public comment given that there is no change in the MAC being proposed.
Health Canada has posted a request for public comment on the draft document entitled “Guidance on sampling and mitigation measures for controlling corrosion.” They indicate that it “has been developed with the intent to provide regulatory authorities and decision-makers with guidance on sampling and mitigation measures for controlling corrosion in drinking water distribution systems.
Despite significant reductions in exposure over the past several decades, our study suggests that ∼10% of the bladder cancer cases in the United States may still be attributed to exposure to DBPs found in drinking water systems.”
With the development of strategies and methods for collecting, analyzing, and tracking the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the door has been opened to monitor for other viruses. CBC is reporting that testing for polio and monkeypox viruses will soon be conducted in select municipalities.
