Methodology for Deriving Ambient Water Quality

Methodology for Deriving Ambient Water Quality
Author: Denis Borum
Publisher:
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2000-10-01
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 9780756728045

This document presents EPA's recommended Methodology for developing ambient water quality criteria as required under Section 304(a) of the Clean Water Act (CWA for States & Tribes' needs). The Methodology is guidance for scientific human health assessments used by EPA to develop, publish, & from time to time revise, recommended criteria for water quality accurately reflecting the latest scientific knowledge. Chapters: introduction to water quality criteria & standards & ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) methodology; clarifications on the methodology, risk characterization, & other issues for developing criteria; risk assessment; exposure; & references.

Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality

Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
Total Pages: 260
Release: 1993
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9789241545037

This volume describes the methods used in the surveillance of drinking water quality in the light of the special problems of small-community supplies, particularly in developing countries, and outlines the strategies necessary to ensure that surveillance is effective.

Fluoride in Drinking Water

Fluoride in Drinking Water
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 531
Release: 2007-01-22
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 030910128X

Most people associate fluoride with the practice of intentionally adding fluoride to public drinking water supplies for the prevention of tooth decay. However, fluoride can also enter public water systems from natural sources, including runoff from the weathering of fluoride-containing rocks and soils and leaching from soil into groundwater. Fluoride pollution from various industrial emissions can also contaminate water supplies. In a few areas of the United States fluoride concentrations in water are much higher than normal, mostly from natural sources. Fluoride is one of the drinking water contaminants regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because it can occur at these toxic levels. In 1986, the EPA established a maximum allowable concentration for fluoride in drinking water of 4 milligrams per liter, a guideline designed to prevent the public from being exposed to harmful levels of fluoride. Fluoride in Drinking Water reviews research on various health effects from exposure to fluoride, including studies conducted in the last 10 years.

Clean Coastal Waters

Clean Coastal Waters
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 422
Release: 2000-08-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309069483

Environmental problems in coastal ecosystems can sometimes be attributed to excess nutrients flowing from upstream watersheds into estuarine settings. This nutrient over-enrichment can result in toxic algal blooms, shellfish poisoning, coral reef destruction, and other harmful outcomes. All U.S. coasts show signs of nutrient over-enrichment, and scientists predict worsening problems in the years ahead. Clean Coastal Waters explains technical aspects of nutrient over-enrichment and proposes both immediate local action by coastal managers and a longer-term national strategy incorporating policy design, classification of affected sites, law and regulation, coordination, and communication. Highlighting the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," the Pfiesteria outbreak in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, and other cases, the book explains how nutrients work in the environment, why nitrogen is important, how enrichment turns into over-enrichment, and why some environments are especially susceptible. Economic as well as ecological impacts are examined. In addressing abatement strategies, the committee discusses the importance of monitoring sites, developing useful models of over-enrichment, and setting water quality goals. The book also reviews voluntary programs, mandatory controls, tax incentives, and other policy options for reducing the flow of nutrients from agricultural operations and other sources.