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Systems, states respond to new EPA health advisory
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Photo by Tom Tingle/The Republic
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Water quality concerns made national news yet again last month when U.S. EPA released a drinking water health advisory for PFOA and PFOS. Public water systems must now notify customers if the man-made chemicals exceed 70 parts per trillion—individually or combined.
EPA has been investigating the exposure risk of perfluorinated compounds used in carpets, clothing, food packaging, and more for over a decade ago and has worked with companies to eliminate them from products and facility emissions. Despite this phase out, PFOA and PFOS persist in the environment thanks to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond.
In the days before the official announcement, Chemical & Engineering News took a comprehensive look at the history of these compounds in drinking water and the events that led to the advisory. The articles below also offer insight into how the new guidelines are affecting some communities and water systems.
- EPA Sets Health Advisory Level for Lifetime Exposure to PFOA – News 10, Albany, New Work
- Chemicals in 3 Arizona Water Systems Exceed New EPA Guideline – The Republic, Phoenix, Arizona
- W.Va. to Search for Source of Martinsburg's Water Pollution – Herald Mail, Hagerstown, Maryland
- 5 Ala. Water Systems Taken Off Advisory List – WTVM, Columbus, Georgia
- In Significant Reduction, EPA Sets Health Advisory for PFOA at 70 Parts Per Trillion – Vermont Public Radio, Colchester, Vermont
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Kansas Health Experts Promote Value of Drinking Water
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Oral Health Kansas is urging schools to be "Thirsty for Health." Their new initiative, funded by the Kansas Health Foundation, helps schools implement policies and education campaigns that increase access to and change student perceptions of drinking water.
Click here for more information.
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Become a Rural Development Specialist in Illinois
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The Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies is seeking a Rural Development Specialist. Duties to include providing training and technical assistance to mutual water companies, non-profit organizations, and local governments to improve or develop water and wastewater systems and programs for rural communities in Illinois.
Click here for more information.
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Tap into more than 300 lead and copper resources
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Looking for support on issues related to lead and copper? The WaterOperator.org documents database includes 384—and counting—fact sheets, newsletter articles, manuals, and more from state and federal agencies and technical assistance providers. Simply select "Lead and Copper" in the Category menu to access them all.
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 Finding and Cultivating a Skilled Water and Wastewater Workforce
Tuesday, June 14 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern
Co-hosted by DOL, USEPA, AWWA, WEF, RCAP, NRWA
This webinar will discuss the updated version of the Water and Wastewater Competency Model. The model provides a clear description of the core competencies required for field staff and operators in the water and wastewater field.
Click here for more information.
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Want to find additional training opportunities for operators,
including events in your area?
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 Finance: Capital Planning and Budgeting for Small Water Systems (2015)
University of North Carolina Environmental Finance Center and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
This 32-slide powerpoint on asset management addresses how to conduct an asset inventory and assessment, create a risk analysis chart, determine a timeline for rehabilitating or replacing assets, and develop a capital improvement plan. This presentation was given at a North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) regional training event on April 1, 2015.
Click here to view.
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Have a different question?
You can find thousands of helpful resources in our database.
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Featured Video: Protecting Water
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The recent PFOA and PFOS health advisory from EPA makes this a great time to educate rate payers about the process used to determine the risks of detected contaminants. This short, engaging Water Research Foundation video does just that.
Click here to watch the video.
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Have a great video? We're dedicated to bringing you helpful, entertaining, or inspiring videos to you. If your organization has a relevant video to share, let us know!
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 Water with high PFOA levels should not be drunk, but you can wash dishes & clothes in it. Find more facts at 1.usa.gov/22rriyl.
Source.
Share This offers useful of interesting information that can be shared with the public and other stakeholders.
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Behold the Mold: Conditions at County Wastewater Plant Raise Safety Concerns
An administrative building at Hawaii County's wastewater treatment plant in Hilo was most vacated after mold was found behind the walls and ceiling.
How to Pursue Your Next Capital Project
The World Research Foundation is set to release a request for proposal for the creation of a digital tool that provides utilities with guidance on the best project delivery methods for drinking water and wastewater capital improvement projects.
New Mexico Pushes for Remedies in Wake of Mine Waste Spill
New Mexico's threat to sue U.S. EPA, Colorado, and two mining companies remains on the table.
Report Slams Texas Utilities on Water Loss, Conservation
A recent study conducted by several environmental groups suggests that water utilities in the Lone Star State need to do more to save water.
It's Disturbingly Common for Americans to Go Days Without Safe Drinking Water
This Huffington Post feature story digs into the impacts of aging infrastructure on access to safe water and emphasizes the need for new investments.
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