November 8, 2006—The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a new rule that it says will provide safer drinking water for more than 100 million Americans. The first-ever rule targets utilities that provide water from underground sources and requires greater vigilance for potential contamination by disease-causing microorganisms.
Contaminants in question are pathogenic viruses (such as rotavirus, echoviruses, and noroviruses) and pathogenic bacteria (including E. coli, salmonella, and shigella). Utilities will be required to look for and correct deficiencies in their operations to prevent contamination from these pathogens. Systems must begin to comply with the new requirements by December 1, 2009.
Fecal contamination can reach ground water sources, including drinking water wells, from failed septic systems, leaking sewer lines, and by passing through the soil and large cracks in the ground, explains EPA. Fecal contamination from the surface may also get into a drinking-water well along its casing or through cracks if the well is not properly constructed, protected, or maintained.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, between 1991 and 2000, ground water systems were associated with 68 outbreaks that caused 10,926 illnesses. Contaminated source water was reportedly the cause of 79 percent of the outbreaks in ground water systems.
For the Ground Water Rule and more information about safe drinking water, visit EPA.
