Christie Whitman, head of the EPA, announced October 31 that the Bush Administration would retain the 10 parts per billion (ppb) standard for arsenic in drinking water that the Clinton Administration had set. (Washington Report).(Brief Article)

Public Works, December, 2001

She said utilities must comply with the standard, down from 50 ppb, in January 2006. The phased-in standard is expected to become effective February 22.

According to Whitman, the standard "will improve the safety of drinking water for millions of Americans and better protect against the risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes."

EPA said nearly 97 percent of the water systems affected by the rule are small systems that serve less than 10,000 people. The agency plans to provide $20 million over the next two years for the research and development of more cost-effective arsenic-research technologies. It will also provide technical assistance and training to operators of small systems, which will reduce their compliance costs.

A National...

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