Implementation of amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act is proceeding on schedule in Oregon and is having major effects on public water systems. For the first time, water systems are monitoring for many organic chemicals and other toxic substances. Some systems are discovering contamination and are taking corrective action. Water system managers are taking notification of the public more seriously, and consumer awareness and interest are increasing when users are informed of drinking water contamination. Much more extensive bacteriological monitoring is revealing problems for which corrective actions (e.g., installing chlorination) are being taken. Filtration treatment or alternate water sources are being planned, designed, and installed by communities using unfiltered surface water sources. A higher level of expertise and attention is necessary if existing filtration plants are to achieve more stringent finished-water standards, and some of these plants will need significant modifications to meet these standards. The state drinking water program requires substantial increases in funding and personnel to administer the expanded regulatory program and provide technical assistance to water suppliers in order to meet new standards and solve contamination problems. Statewide budget constraints, however, may result in a large reduction in staffing for the drinking water program. Includes 3 references, table, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 85 - No. 2 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 4.2 MB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 12 |
| Published : | 02/01/1993 |
