Economic Considerations in Drinking Water Standard Setting

EPA is developing a new regulatory impact analysis framework for proposed drinking water regulations. The Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended in 1996, requires that whenever EPA proposes a national primary drinking water regulation, EPA must publish a cost-benefit analysis. EPA encourages the full participation of stakeholders and the general public throughout this process, and invites comment on the various components of this analysis, including treatment design, unit treatment costs and national costs, model systems development, baseline estimates, data quality objectives, and benefits analysis.

EPA held a workshop with practicing water design and costing engineers in November 1997, to discuss the assumptions and components that should be included in models to predict the costs of various treatment alternatives on public water systems. EPA will use the models in the development of best available technology options under future National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

The workshop summary may be read online.

To comment on the cost models, contact Ben Smith at U.S. EPA, 401 M Street SW (4607), Washington, DC 20460; Smith.Ben@epamail.epa.gov.

Cost Development and Regulatory Impact Assessment

Benefits Analysis for Proposed Drinking Water Regulations

Safewater Home | About Our Office | Publications | Links | Office of Water | En Español | Questions and Answers

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us