WaterNews for March 25, 1999

WaterNews is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water.

Inside this week's WaterNews:

1) Assistant Administrator Submits Testimony on Livability
2) National Academy of Sciences Releases Arsenic Study

1) Assistant Administrator Submits Testimony on Livability

On March 18, 1999, Assistant Administrator J. Charles Fox submitted testimony on open space and how it relates to environmental protection, water quality, and the Livability Agenda to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. In his statement, the Assistant Administrator highlighted the Brownfields National Partnership and the American Heritage Rivers initiative and discussed Better America Bonds.

For a copy of the testimony, go to http://www.epa.gov/ocirpage/testimony/031899cf.htm on the Internet.

2) National Academy of Sciences Releases Arsenic Study

A report commissioned by EPA confirms that the drinking water standard for arsenic needs to be strengthened to protect public health. The report, released this week by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences, provides scientific support for strengthening the EPA’s health-based drinking water standard for arsenic. EPA is in the process of preparing a revised, stronger drinking water standard which will be proposed by January 1, 2000 and finalized by January 1, 2001.

The information released this week will help to ensure that the revised arsenic standard is based on sound science and is adequately protective of public health. Arsenic, a naturally occurring substance, is already below EPA’s current drinking water standard of 50 parts per billion in all surface waters. The standard is infrequently exceeded by some groundwater sources.

For more information on the National Academy of Sciences Arsenic Report and information on how to obtain a copy of the report, visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/ars/nrcrpt.html on the Internet.

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