Are Reuse Quality Standards Too High, or Are Potable Water Quality Standards Too Lax?

Abstract

When reports about nanogram/liter concentrations of compounds in wastewater effluent are published, the public expresses concern and raises questions about health effects of the concentrations. A utility must attempt to define potential human health effects from compounds at concentrations several orders of magnitude lower than currently established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in community potable water. This article examines public perception and offers suggestions to utility staff responsible for providing answers to the public. It also discusses the “system” that evaluates risk and establishes MCLs and Candidate Contaminant Lists for potable water.