Drinking Water Standards

Arsenic
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires EPA to revise the existing 50 parts per billion (ppb) standard for arsenic in drinking water. EPA is implementing a 10 ppb standard for arsenic.

Ground Water Rule
EPA proposed a rule which specified the appropriate use of disinfection in ground water and addressed other components of ground water systems to assure public health protection.

Lead and Copper
EPA estimates that approximately 20 percent of human exposure to lead is attributable to lead in drinking water.

Microbials & Disinfection Byproducts
A major challenge for water suppliers is how to balance the risks from microbial pathogens and disinfection byproducts. This web site includes development of the Ground Water Rule, as well as the two new final rules: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.

MTBE
MTBE (methyl-t-butyl ether) is a member of a group of chemicals commonly known as fuel oxygenates. MTBE replaces the use of lead as an octane enhancer since 1979.

Radionuclides
EPA has updated its standards for radionuclides in drinking water.

Radon
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that may cause cancer, and may be found in drinking water and indoor air.

source : United States Enviromental Protection Agency