U.S. EPA has published a scientific literature review of technologies for Legionella control in premise plumbing systems. The document was developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state drinking water program representatives. The document covers risk management approaches, treatment options, and results from different types of studies.
U.S. EPA has released a new guide - Guidance For Designing Communication Systems - for water utilities considering to develop a water quality surveillance and response systems (SRS) to detect and respond to water quality incidents, including intentional contamination. Data communications for an SRS is the means of transmitting data – such as data from monitoring and automated metering infrastructure components – to the utility control center.
U.S. EPA has posted the Public Health Surveillance Design Guidance for SRSs and the Public Health Surveillance Assessment and Interview Form for public health surveillance efforts.
The two publications are part of EPA's Water Quality Surveillance and Response (SRS) program.
EPA has published a research paper on radiological contaminant persistence and decontamination in drinking water pipes. The objective of this study was to use the Pipe Decontamination Experimental Design Protocol (PDEDP) to evaluate the persistence of cesium, cobalt, and strontium on concrete and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and explore possible decontamination approaches. The results of study showed which radioactive substances were persistent on PVC or concrete and which decontamination methods could effectively remove them.
EPA has published a research paper on distinguishing intentional releases from natural occurrences and unintentional releases of Bacillus anthracis, which is the bacteria that causes anthrax. The purpose of this research was to: 1) survey the scientific literature to determine the current state of the science regarding the presence of Bacillus anthracis in the environment and outbreaks of anthrax; 2) identify characteristics that would enable a screening of information about outbreaks to rapidly assess whether an intentional release was a likely cause (in U.S.
EPA has published a research paper on modeling and experimental testing of sediment resuspension in water distribution storage tanks. Sediments in storage tanks have the potential to accumulate pathogens, metals, and other hazardous materials. This report addresses the potential for sediments in storage tanks to be transported back into water distribution systems. In addition, a pilot-scale experiment was conducted to validate the model predictions. The results of this study highlight tank operating conditions that might reduce resuspension and removal of sediments from tanks.
The U.S. EPA has issued health advisory values for algal toxins in tap water that are protective of human health based on the best available science. EPA has also recommended how utilities can monitor and treat drinking water for algal toxins and notify the public if drinking water exceeds protective levels. Health advisories are not regulations, but they provide technical guidance to help state and local officials and managers of water systems protect public health.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, September 16th 2:00-3:00 pm EDT targeted at water sector professionals that focuses on the coordination that occurs between water utilities and their public health partners during investigation of and response to possible water contamination. The webinar will:
WaterISAC conducted a two-part webinar on public notification during water contamination events and outages on Wednesday, July 9, and Thursday, July 10, 2014. WaterISAC's guest was Lisa Ragain, a Principal with Aqua Vitae.
U.S. EPA's Water Health & Economic Analysis Tool provides drinking water and wastewater utilities with likely health and economic outcomes and a detailed consequence analysis of the loss of assets in an incident.
1620 I Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20006
1-866-H2O-ISAC (1-866-426-4722)
© 2025 WaterISAC. All Rights Reserved.
