Hi all…the Water Research Foundation and AWWA have just released a report entitled “Managing Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water-A Technical Guidance Manual for Drinking Water Professionals.” The authors state that the this report “is intended for users working for or with water utilities that have already been determined to be at risk of having cyanobacteria and possibly cyanotoxin issues. While this second guidance contains more detailed information than the first guide, it is organized to help readers navigate the issues and make informed decisions about appropriate mitigation measures and how to be prepared in case of a toxic cyanobacteria bloom.”

It is available for free download at: http://www.waterrf.org/PublicReportLibrary/4548b.pdf

 

Bill

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Managing Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water-A Technical Guidance Manual for Drinking Water Professionals

Executive Summary

“Toxin-producing cyanobacteria blooms are a growing concern for water utilities that use surface water supplies across the country. To make informed decisions about how to limit exposure to cyanotoxins, water utilities need to understand:

  • How, when, and why cyanotoxins occur,
  • How to determine if they are present in a given water source,
  • What management strategies are available to reduce cyanotoxin production in source waters? and
  • What treatment can prevent cyanotoxins from reaching customers?

This guide was created in a partnership between the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF). In early 2015, a short guide was published to help water utility managers consider whether cyanotoxins may be an issue for their water systems. It provides a brief overview of cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, their health risks, and how cyanobacteria blooms and cyanotoxins can be effectively prevented or treated. A short self-assessment near the end of the guide allows utility managers to evaluate whether their water systems may be at risk and, if so, where they can go for additional information and guidance.

This second, more technical guidance manual gathers and summarizes the most recent information about cyanotoxin occurrence, measurement, and management. Like the first guide, it is also intended to benefit water utility managers, operators and consultants. More specifically, though, it is intended for users working for or with water utilities that have already been determined to be at risk of having cyanobacteria and possibly cyanotoxin issues. While this second guidance contains more detailed information than the first guide, it is organized to help readers navigate the issues and make informed decisions about appropriate mitigation measures and how to be prepared in case of a toxic cyanobacteria bloom.

The information provided in this guide is presented in four steps:

Step One: Understanding the Issue

The first step helps readers understand the issues associated with cyanotoxins in drinking water. Background information is provided on cyanobacteria, as well as cyanotoxin characteristics, occurrence, health effects, and regulations. Additional information is provided about measurement techniques for cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, and their indicators.

Step Two: Managing and Treating the Issue

Successful approaches to managing and treating water containing cyanotoxins are discussed in detail. Source water management and water treatment are both addressed. Careful consideration is given to which techniques are effective for addressing cyanotoxins present within intact cyanobacteria cells (intracellular), and which techniques are effective for removing cyanotoxins that are dissolved in the water (extracellular).

Step Three: The Balancing Act

Challenges related to full-scale treatment for cyanotoxins are discussed in this section. Additional discussion is provided about unintended consequences that may be encountered when managing and treating a water source for cyanotoxins. Specific focus is provided regarding balancing simultaneous compliance objectives.

Step Four: Using Your Knowledge to Plan Ahead

The material provided in this section helps water utilities prepare for a toxic cyanobacteria event, should they have to contend with such a situation. Information is provided on how to develop a communication plan and consumer notifications. Additional discussion addresses how water utilities can prepare for toxic cyanobacteria events by developing an action plan for their utility and its community. Examples of existing guidance are provided to help with that planning effort.”