Contaminants of Concern
Contaminants of Concern
Inorganic contaminants like arsenic, iron, chromium, and manganese commonly occur in nature and often end up in our surface and groundwaters. Some occur as a result of man-made pollution such as perchlorate, and others like nitrates occur because of interactions between nature and pollution.
Inorganic contaminants impact taste, color, and odor of our drinking water. They are also important for health, having both beneficial and adverse effects.
Resources
Arsenic
Arsenic, a natural component of the earth’s crust, is one of the most persistent and widespread contaminants in natural waters.
Because the U.S. EPA lowered the arsenic maximum contaminant level (MCL) in 2001 to 10 parts per billion (ppb), replacing the old standard of 50 ppb, there has been considerable research and implementation of full-scale treatment systems for arsenic removal.
PFAS
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are persistent synthetic compounds used in a variety of industrial and consumer product applications, including non-stick cookware and firefighting foams. The presence of PFAS compounds in source water and drinking water is of increasing public concern due to their widespread use and environmental persistence.
Technical Resources
Reports
Manuals
M12 Simplified Procedures for Water Examination
Simplified, approved procedures for lab tests commonly needed for process control in drinking water production.
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M20 Water Chlorination/Chloramination Practices and Principles
Complete information on the use and application of chlorine and chloramines in water treatment.
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M46 Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration
Selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration systems in water treatment.
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M53 MF & UF Membranes in Drinking Water
Detailed technical information on MF and UF treatment processes for water operators, engineers, and utility management.
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M56 Nitrification Prevention and Control in Drinking Water
This manual offers current and practical approaches to nitrification prevention and response to a nitrification episode in chloraminated drinking water distribution systems.
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Events With a Focus on Contaminants of Concern
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Related Resources
New Water Treatment Plant Lowers Arsenic Levels
The new Vale, Ore., water treatment plant includes (from top) a pressure filter vessel with four treatment cells, a water storage reservoir, and two filter backwash storage tanks.
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Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
This comprehensive reference covers all aspects of water and wastewater analysis techniques.
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PFAS
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances are persistent synthetic compounds used in a variety of industrial and consumer product applications including non-stick cookware and firefighting foams.
Learn More
Pretreatment Pocket Field Guide
Designed for field use by water operators, this pocket-sized guide provides operational information on mixing, coagulation, and sedimentation processes in water treatment.
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Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection for Water Treatment
Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection for Water Treatment is your ultimate guide to UV disinfection. If you have questions on UV disinfection, this technical resource should be the first book you turn to.
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Ion Exchange for Drinking Water Treatment
This handbook provides information regarding the selection and design of ion exchange processes for water treatment. Read this handbook to understand when, why and how to apply ion exchange technology, along with design examples and case studies that demonstrate applications.
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Water Quality & Treatment
The ultimate engineering and operations reference book on water quality and treatment plant processes.
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AWWA Policy Statements
AWWA’s policy statements are brief statements on protecting and improving water supply, water quality, management, and the interests of the public and the environment. They are written by consensus, subject to review and comment by AWWA committees, councils, and members. Because they represent AWWA’s position on these matters, they are approved by the AWWA Executive Committee of the board of directors.
Technical Committee Engagement
AWWA members are recognized globally for their industry expertise and their generosity in sharing that expertise for a better world through better water. AWWA members participate in committee activities, developing conference programs, writing technical manuals, developing standards, creating educational content, and contributing to AWWA publications. Committee members primarily interact through conference calls, emails, and face-to-face meetings at conferences and events.
Inorganics Committee
Inorganic Contaminants Research Committee
Emerging Water Quality Issues Committee
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