New lab methods to help utilities catch CECs

MWH Laboratories has introduced new methods allowing utilities across the US to proactively address anticipated chemical monitoring needs under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR3) anticipated to affect more than 4,800 public and private utilities across the country.

The new rules, introduced to catch contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as hormones and new compounds, will apply to utilities that serve more than 10,000 people, as well as a sample of 800 smaller systems selected by the EPA. Announced in April, the new rules could go into effect as early as 2013.

“We acted quickly to bring these new methods to market to help utilities prepare for these anticipated new rules,” said Dr Andrew Eaton, technical director for MWH Laboratories. “It is important for utilities to know their level of exposure to the hormones and other emerging contaminants they could be required to monitor in the water supply. They can get started now, by using these new methods to monitor for a wider variety contaminants.”

The proposed plan would require utilities to monitor for up to 28 unregulated contaminants, including seven pharmaceutical compounds (hormones); six perfluorinated compounds (PFCs); nine volatile organic compounds (VOCs); four metals; 1,4-dioxane and chlorate. New methods in the proposed rules include EPA 537 for PFCs (eg, PFOS and PFOA), EPA 539 for hormones, EPA 524.3 for low-level volatile organics and EPA 522 for 1,4-dioxane. Existing methods include EPA 300 for chlorate and EPA 200.8 for vanadium, cobalt, molybdenum and strontium.

For more information, contact: MWH Laboratories
Tel: +1
800 566 LABS

Fax: +1 626 386 1101

Email: mwhlabs@mwhglobal.com
Web: www.mwhlabs.com.