2-002.01SCOPE AND AUTHORITY: These regulations establish drinking water standards, treatment techniques, best available technologies (BATs) and compliance technologies for public water systems. The authority is found in Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 71-5301 to 71-5313.2-002.02DEFINITIONSBest Available Technology or BAT means the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finds, after examination for efficacy under field conditions and not solely under laboratory conditions, are available (taking cost into consideration). For the purposes of setting MCLs for synthetic organic chemicals, any BAT must be at least as effective as granular activated carbon.
GAC10 means granular activated carbon filter beds with an empty-bed contact time of 10 minutes based on average daily flow and a carbon reactivation frequency of every 180 days, except that the reactivation frequency for GAC10 used as a best available technology for compliance with Title 179 NAC 24 MCLs under 179 NAC 2-002.04E2a(1) is 120 days.
GAC20 means granular activated carbon filter beds with an empty-bed contact time of 20 minutes based on average daily flow and a carbon reactivation frequency of every 240 days.
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) means the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water which is delivered to any user of a public water system.
2-002.03DRINKING WATER STANDARDS AND TREATMENT TECHNIQUES: The basis for the establishment of maximum contaminant levels is based either upon potential acute health effects over a short length of time of exposure or chronic health effects over a long length of time of exposure. 2-002.03AStandards Based upon Acute Health Effects: Standards based upon acute health effects over a short length of time of exposure shall apply to all public water systems. Contaminants governed by these standards are: 2-002.03BStandards Based upon Chronic Health Effects: Standards based upon chronic health effects over a long length of time of exposure apply to community and/or nontransient, non-community water systems as specified in Title 179. Contaminants governed by these standards are: 1. Inorganic chemicals except for nitrate;2. Organic chemicals; and3. Radioactive contaminants.2-002.04Maximum Contaminant Levels2-002.04AMaximum Contaminant Levels for Inorganic Chemicals: All the following maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for inorganic chemical contaminants apply to community water systems. All the following maximum contaminant levels for inorganic chemicals, except the MCL for fluoride, apply to non-transient, non-community water systems. Only the maximum contaminant levels for nitrate, nitrite, and total nitrate and nitrite apply to transient, non-community systems. CONTAMINANT | MCL (mg/L) |
(1) Antimony | 0.006 |
(2) Asbestos (fibers >10 µm) | 7 million fibers/Liter |
(3) Arsenic | 0.010 |
(4) Barium | 2 |
(5) Beryllium | 0.004 |
(6) Cadmium | 0.005 |
(7) Chromium total | 0.10 |
(8) Cyanide (as free cyanide) | 0.2 |
(9) Fluoride* | 4.0 |
(10) Mercury | 0.002 |
(11) Nickel | 0.1 |
(12) Nitrate (as Nitrogen) | 10 |
(13) Nitrite (as Nitrogen) | 1 |
(14) Total Nitrate and Nitrite (as Nitrogen) | 10 |
(15) Selenium | 0.05 |
(16) Sodium | 500.0 |
(17) Thallium | 0.002 |
*Community water systems experiencing fluoride levels above 2.0 milligrams per liter must notify the public as required in 179 NAC 4-010.
2-002.04A1 At the discretion of the Director, nitrate levels not to exceed 20 mg/L may be allowed in a non-community water system if the supplier of water demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director that: 2-002.04A1a Such water will not be available to children under six months of age, pregnant women, or mothers nursing children under six months of age; and2-002.04A1b The non-community water system is meeting the public notification requirements under 179 NAC 4-011, including continuous posting of the fact that nitrate levels exceed 10 mg/L and the potential health effects of exposure; and2-002.04A1c Local and State public health authorities will be notified annually of nitrate levels that exceed 10 mg/L; and2-002.04A1d No adverse health effects shall result.2-002.04BMaximum Contaminant Levels for Synthetic Organic Chemicals: The following maximum contaminant levels for organic chemical contaminants apply to community and non-transient, non-community water systems. 2-002.04B1Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs): CONTAMINANT | MCL (mg/L) |
(1) Vinyl chloride | 0.002 |
(2) Benzene | 0.005 |
(3) Carbon tetrachloride | 0.005 |
(4) 1,2-Dichloroethane | 0.005 |
(5) Trichloroethylene | 0.005 |
(6) para-Dichlorobenzene | 0.075 |
(7) 1,1-Dichloroethylene | 0.007 |
(8) 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | 0.2 |
(9) cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | 0.07 |
(10) 1,2-Dichloropropane | 0.005 |
(11) Ethylbenzene | 0.7 |
(12) Monochlorobenzene | 0.1 |
(13) o-Dichlorobenzene | 0.6 |
(14) Styrene | 0.1 |
(15) Tetrachloroethylene | 0.005 |
(16) Toluene | 1 |
(17) trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | 0.1 |
(18) Xylenes (total) | 10 |
(19) Dichloromethane | 0.005 |
(20) 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | 0.07 |
(21) 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 0.005 |
2-002.04B2 Non-Volatile Synthetic Organic Chemicals CONTAMINANT | MCL (mg/L) |
(1) Alachlor | 0.002 |
(2) reserved | |
(3) reserved | |
(4) reserved | |
(5) Atrazine | 0.003 |
(6) Carbofuran | 0.04 |
(7) Chlordane | 0.002 |
(8) Dibromochloropropane | 0.0002 |
(9) 2,4-D | 0.07 |
(10) Ethylene dibromide | 0.00005 |
(11) Heptachlor | 0.0004 |
(12) Heptachlor epoxide | 0.0002 |
(13) Lindane | 0.0002 |
(14) Methoxychlor | 0.04 |
(15) Polychlorinated biphenyls | 0.0005 |
(16) Pentachlorophenol | 0.001 |
(17) Toxaphene | 0.003 |
(18) 2,4,5-TP | 0.05 |
(19) Benzo[a]pyrene | 0.0002 |
(20) Dalapon | 0.2 |
| 0.4 |
| 0.006 |
(23) Dinoseb | 0.007 |
(24) Diquat | 0.02 |
(25) Endothall | 0.1 |
(26) Endrin | 0.002 |
(27) Glyphosate | 0.7 |
(28) Hexachlorobenzene | 0.001 |
(29) Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | 0.05 |
(30) Oxamyl (Vydate) | 0.2 |
(31) Picloram | 0.5 |
(32) Simazine | 0.004 |
(33) 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin) | 3 x 10-8 |
2-002.04CMicrobiological: The maximum contaminant levels for coliform bacteria, applicable to all public water systems, are as follows: 2-002.04C1 Through March 31, 2016, the total coliform MCL is based on the presence or absence of total coliforms in a sample, rather than coliform density. 2-002.04C1a For a system which collects at least 40 samples per month, if no more than 5.0% of the samples collected during a month are total coliformpositive, the system is in compliance with the MCL for total coliforms.2-002.04C1b For a system which collects fewer than 40 samples per month, if no more than one sample collected during a month is total coliform-positive, the system is in compliance with the MCL for total coliforms.2-002.04C1c Results of all routine samples and repeat samples (when required by 179 NAC 3-004.02) which are not invalidated must be included in determining compliance with 179 NAC 2-002.04C1a and 2-002.04C1b.2-002.04C2 Through March 31, 2016 any fecal coliform-positive repeat sample or E. coli-positive repeat sample, or any total coliform-positive repeat sample following a fecal coliform-positive or E. coli-positive routine sample constitutes a violation of the MCL for total coliforms. For purposes of the public notification requirements in 179 NAC 4 this is a violation that may pose an acute risk to health.2-002.04C3 Compliance with the MCL for total coliforms in 179 NAC 2-002.04C1 and 2-002.04C2 will be determined each month for systems which are required to monitor monthly for total coliforms, and each quarter for systems which are required to monitor once per quarter for total coliforms.2-002.04C4 Beginning April 1, 2016, a system is in compliance with the MCL for E. coli for samples taken under the provisions of 179 NAC 26 unless any of the conditions identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04C4 items 1 through 4 occur. For purposes of the public notification requirements in 179 NAC 4, violation of the MCL may pose an acute risk to health.1. The system has an E. coli-positive repeat sample following a total coliform-positive routine sample.2. The system has a total coliform-positive repeat sample following an E. coli-positive routine sample.3. The system fails to take all required repeat samples following an E. coli-positive routine sample.4. The system fails to test for E. coli when any repeat sample tests positive for total coliform. 2-002.04C5 Through March 31, 2016, a public water system must determine compliance with the MCL for total coliforms in 179 NAC 2-002.04C1 and 2-002.04C2 for each month in which it is required to monitor for total coliforms. Beginning April 1, 2016, a public water system must determine compliance with the MCL for E. coli in 179 NAC 2-002.04C4 for each month in which it is required to monitor for total coliforms.2-002.04C6 The Department identifies the following as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level for total coliforms in 179 NAC 2-002.04C1 and 2-002.04C2 and for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level for E. coli in 179 NAC 2-002.04C4.1. Protection of wells from fecal contamination by appropriate placement and construction;2. Maintenance of a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system;3. Proper maintenance of the distribution system including appropriate pipe replacement and repair procedures, main flushing programs, proper operation and maintenance of storage tanks and reservoirs, cross connection control, and continual maintenance of positive water pressure in all parts of the distribution system;4. Filtration and/or disinfection of surface water, as described in 179 NAC 13, 17, 19, and 25, or disinfection of ground water, as described in 179 NAC 24, using strong oxidants such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or ozone; and5. For systems using ground water, compliance with the requirements of an EPA-approved state wellhead protection program.2-002.04C7 The Director identifies the technology, treatment techniques, or other means available identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04C6 as affordable technology, treatment techniques, or other means available to systems serving 10,000 or fewer people for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level for total coliforms in 179 NAC 2-002.04C1 and 2-002.04C2 and for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level for E. coli in 179 NAC 2-002.04C4.2-002.04DMaximum contaminant levels for radionuclides2-002.04D1MCL for combined radium-226 and -228: The MCL for combined radium-226 and radium-228 is 5 pCi per liter. The combined radium-226 and radium-228 value is determined by the addition of the results of the analysis for radium-226 and the analysis for radium-228.2-002.04D2MCL for gross alpha particle activity (excluding radon and uranium): The MCL for gross alpha particle activity (including radium-226 but excluding radon and uranium) is 15 pCi per liter.2-002.04D3MCL for Beta Particle and Photon Radioactivity1. The average annual concentration of beta particle and photon radioactivity from man-made radionuclides in drinking water must not produce an annual dose equivalent to the total body or any internal organ greater than 4 millirem per year (mrem/year).2. Except for the radionuclides listed in the following table, the concentration of man-made radionuclides causing 4 mrem total body or organ dose equivalents must be calculated on the basis of a two liter per day drinking water intake using the 168 hour data listed in "Maximum Permissible Body Burdens and Maximum Permissible Concentrations of Radionuclides in Air and in Water for Occupational Exposure", NBS Handbook 69, as amended August 1963, U.S. Department of Commerce, which is incorporated by reference. A copy may be inspected at the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, 301 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln, NE 68509 or copies are available from the National Technical Information Service, NTIS, U.S. Department of Commerce, 5301 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, Virginia, 22312, phone 800-553-6847. If two or more radionuclides are present, the sum of their annual dose equivalent to the total body or to any organ must not exceed 4 millirem per year. AVERAGE ANNUAL CONCENTRATIONS ASSUMED TO PRODUCE A TOTAL BODY OR ORGAN DOSE OF 4 MILLIREM PER YEAR
Radionuclide | Critical Organ | pCi per liter |
Tritium | Total Body | 20,000 |
Strontium-90 | Bone Marrow | 8 |
2-002.04D4MCL for Uranium: The maximum contaminant level for uranium is 30 µg/L.2-002.04D5Compliance Dates for Combined Radium-226 and -228, Gross Alpha Particle Activity, Gross Beta Particle and Photon Radioactivity, and Uranium: Community water systems must comply with the MCLs listed in 179 NAC 2-002.04D1 through 2-002.04D4 beginning December 8, 2003 and compliance will be determined in accordance with the requirements of 179 NAC 3-008.01 and 3-008.02.2-002.04EMaximum Contaminant Levels for Disinfection Byproducts2-002.04E1Bromate and chlorite: The maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for bromate and chlorite are as follows: Disinfection Byproduct | MCL (mg/L) |
Bromate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 0.010 |
Chlorite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | 1.0 |
2-002.04E1aCompliance Dates for Community Water Systems (CWSs) and Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWSs): Public water systems using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water serving 10,000 or more individuals must comply with 179 NAC 2-002.04E1 beginning January 1, 2002. Public water systems using surface water or ground water under the direct influence of surface water serving fewer than 10,000 individuals and systems using only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water must comply with 179 NAC 2-002.04E1 beginning January 1, 2004.2-002.04E1b The Department identifies the following as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant levels for bromate and chlorite identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04E1. BATs FOR BROMATE AND CHLORITE
Disinfection Byproduct | Best Available Technology |
Bromate | Control of ozone treatment process to reduce production of bromate. |
Chlorite | Control of treatment processes to reduce disinfectant demand and control of disinfection treatment processes to reduce disinfectant levels. |
2-002.04E2TTHMs and HAA5s2-002.04E2aRunning Annual Average (RAA) Compliance for 179 NAC 162-002.04E2a(1)Compliance Dates: All systems must comply with these MCLs until the date specified for 179 NAC 24 compliance in 179 NAC 24003.01. Disinfection byproduct | MCL (mg/L) |
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 0.080 |
Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5) | 0.060 |
2-002.04E2a(2) The Department identifies the following as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant levels for TTHMs and HAA5s identified in 2-002.04E2a(1). Disinfection byproduct | Best available technology |
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5s) | Enhanced coagulation or enhanced softening or GAC10, with chlorine as the primary and residual disinfectant |
2-002.04E2bLRAA Compliance for 179 NAC 242-002.04E2b(1)Compliance Dates: The 179 NAC 24 MCLs for TTHMs and HAA5 must be complied with as a locational running annual average at each monitoring location beginning the date specified for compliance in 179 NAC 24-003.01. Disinfection byproduct | MCL (mg/L) |
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 0.080 |
Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5) | 0.060 |
2-002.04E2b(2) The Department identifies the following as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant levels for TTHMs and HAA5 identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04E2b for all systems that disinfect their source water: Disinfection byproduct | Best available technology |
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5s) | Enhanced coagulation or enhanced softening plus GAC10, or nanofiltration with a molecular weight cutoff <=1000 Daltons; or GAC20 |
2-002.04E2b(3) The Department identifies the following as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant levels for TTHMs and HAA5s identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04E2b for consecutive systems and applies only to disinfected water that consecutive systems buy or otherwise receive: Disinfection byproduct | Best available technology |
Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and Haloacetic acids (five) (HAA5s) | Systems serving >=10,000: Improved distribution system and storage tank management to reduce residence time, plus the use of chloramines for disinfectant residual maintenance Systems serving <10,000: Improved distribution system and storage tank management to reduce residence time |
2-002.04FMaximum Residual Disinfectant Levels2-002.04F1 Maximum residual disinfectant levels (with compliance determined in accordance with 179 NAC 16-006) are as follows: MRDLs
DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL | MRDL (MG/L) |
Chlorine | 4.0 (as Cl2). |
Chloramines | 4.0 (as Cl2). |
Chlorine dioxide | 0.8 (as ClO2). |
2-002.04F2Compliance dates2-002.04F2aCWSs and NTNCWSs: Surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct influence of surface water serving 10,000 or more individuals must comply with 179 NAC 2-002.04F beginning January 1, 2002. Surface water systems and ground water systems serving fewer than 10,000 individuals and systems using only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water must comply with these maximum residual disinfectant levels beginning January 1, 2004.2-002.04F2bTransient NCWSs: Surface water systems and ground water systems under the direct influence of surface water serving 10,000 or more individuals and using chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2002. Surface water systems and ground water systems serving fewer than 10,000 individuals and using chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant and systems using only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water and using chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant or oxidant must comply with the chlorine dioxide MRDL beginning January 1, 2004.2-002.04F3 The Department hereby identifies the following as the best technology, treatment techniques, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum residual disinfectant levels identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04F1: control of treatment processes to reduce disinfectant demand and control of disinfection treatment processes to reduce disinfectant levels.2-002.05Treatment Techniques2-002.05A The requirements of 179 NAC 2-002.05 establish treatment techniques in lieu of maximum contaminant levels for specified contaminants.2-002.05BTreatment Techniques for Acrylamide and Epichlorohydrin: Each public water system owner must certify annually in writing to the Director (using third party or manufacturer's certification) that when acrylamide and epichlorohydrin are used in drinking water systems, the combination (or product) of dose and monomer level does not exceed the levels specified as follows. Certifications can rely on manufacturers or third parties, as approved by the Director. 2-002.05B1 Acrylamide = 0.05% dosed at 1 ppm (or equivalent)2-002.05B2 Epichlorohydrin = 0.01% dosed at 20 ppm (or equivalent)2-002.06BAT (Best Available Technology): The Director hereby identifies as indicated in the table below granular activated carbon (GAC), packed tower aeration (PTA), or oxidation (OX) as the best technology treatment technique, or other means available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level for organic contaminants identified in 179 NAC 2-002.04B1 and 2-002.04B2. BAT FOR CONTAMINANTS LISTED IN 179 NAC 2-002.04B1 and 2-002.04B2
CAS NO. | Contaminant | GAC | PTA | OX |
15972-60-8 | Alachlor | X | -- | -- |
116-06-3 | Aldicarb | X | -- | -- |
1646-88-4 | Aldicarb sulfone | X | -- | -- |
1646-87-3 | Aldicarb sulfoxide | X | -- | -- |
1912-24-9 | Atrazine | X | -- | -- |
71-43-2 | Benzene | X | X | -- |
1563-66-2 | Carbofuran | X | -- | -- |
56-23-5 | Carbon tetrachloride | X | X | -- |
57-74-9 | Chlordane | X | -- | -- |
75-99-0 | Dalapon | X | -- | -- |
94-75-7 | 2,4-D | X | -- | -- |
103-23-1 | Di(2-ethylhexyl)adipate | X | X | -- |
117-81-7 | Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | X | -- | -- |
96-12-8 | Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) | X | X | -- |
95-50-1 | o-Dichlorobenzene | X | X | -- |
106-46-7 | para-Dichlorobenzene | X | X | -- |
| | | | |
107-06-2 | 1,2-Dichloroethane | X | X | -- |
75-35-4 | 1,1-Dichloroethylene | X | X | -- |
156-59-2 | cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | X | X | -- |
156-60-5 | trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene | X | X | -- |
75-09-2 | Dichloromethane | -- | X | -- |
78-87-5 | 1,2-Dichloropropane | X | X | -- |
88-85-7 | Dinoseb | X | -- | -- |
72-20-8 | Endrin | X | -- | -- |
100-41-4 | Ethylbenzene | X | X | -- |
106-93-4 | Ethylene Dibromide (EDB) | X | X | -- |
1071-83-6 | Glyphosate | -- | -- | X |
76-44-8 | Heptachlor | X | -- | -- |
1024-57-3 | Heptachlor epoxide | X | -- | -- |
118-74-1 | Hexachlorobenzene | X | -- | -- |
77-47-3 | Hexachlorocyclopentadiene | X | X | -- |
58-89-9 | Lindane | X | -- | -- |
72-43-5 | Methoxychlor | X | -- | -- |
108-90-7 | Monochlorobenzene | X | X | -- |
23135-22-0 | Oxamyl (Vydate) | X | -- | -- |
87-86-5 | Pentachlorophenol | X | -- | -- |
1918-02-1 | Picloram | X | -- | -- |
1336-36-3 | Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) | X | -- | -- |
122-34-9 | Simazine | X | -- | -- |
100-42-5 | Styrene | X | X | -- |
1746-01-6 | 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin) | X | -- | -- |
127-18-4 | Tetrachloroethylene | X | X | -- |
| | | | |
108-88-3 | Toluene | X | X | -- |
8001-35-2 | Toxaphene | X | -- | -- |
93-72-1 | 2,4,5-TP (Silvex) | X | -- | -- |
120-82-1 | 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | X | X | -- |
71-55-6 | 1,1,1-Trichloroethane | X | X | -- |
79-00-5 | 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | X | X | -- |
79-01-6 | Trichloroethylene | X | X | -- |
75-01-4 | Vinyl chloride | -- | X | -- |
1330-20-7 | Xylene | X | X | -- |
2-002.07BAT FOR INORGANIC COMPOUNDS LISTED IN 179 NAC 2-002.04A (EXCEPT FLUORIDE)BATs FOR INORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Chemical Name | BAT(s) |
Antimony | 2,7 |
Asbestos | 2,3,8 |
Arsenic4 | 1,2,5,6,7,9,125,6 |
Barium | 5,6,7,9 |
Beryllium | 1,2,5,6,7 |
Cadmium | 2,5,6,7 |
Chromium | 2,5,62,7 |
Cyanide | 5,7,13 |
Mercury | 21,4,61,71 |
Nickel | 5,6,7 |
Nitrate | 5,7,9 |
Nitrite | 5,7 |
Selenium | 1,23,6,7,9 |
Thallium | 1,5 |
1 BAT only if influent Hg concentrations <= 10µg/L.
2 BAT for Chromium III only.
3 BAT for Selenium IV only.
4BAT for Arsenic V. Pre-oxidation may be required to convert Arsenic III to Arsenic V.
5To obtain high removals, iron to arsenic ratio must be at least 20:1.
6Effective for the purpose of compliance on January 23, 2006.
Key to BATS in Table
1 = Activated Alumina
2 = Coagulation/Filtration (not BAT for systems <500 service connections)
3 = Direct and Diatomite Filtration
4 - Granular Activated Carbon
5 = Ion Exchange
6 = Lime Softening (not BAT for systems <500 service connections)
7 = Reverse Osmosis
8 = Corrosion Control
9 = Electrodialysis
10 = Chlorine
11 = Ultraviolet
12 = Oxidation/Filtration
13 = Alkaline Chlorination (pH >= 8.5)
2-002.08Best Available Technologies (BATs) for Radionuclides: The Director hereby identifies as indicated in the following table the best technology available for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant levels for combined radium-226 and -228, uranium, gross alpha particle activity, and beta particle and photon radioactivity. BAT FOR COMBINED RADIUM-226 AND RADIUM-228, URANIUM, GROSS ALPHA PARTICLE ACTIVITY, AND BETA PARTICLE AND PHOTON RADIOACTIVITY
Contaminant | BAT |
1. Combined radium-226 and radium-228 | Ion exchange, reverse osmosis, lime softening |
2. Uranium | Ion exchange, reverse osmosis, lime softening, coagulation/filtration |
3. Gross alpha particle activity (excluding radon and uranium) | Reverse osmosis |
4. Beta particle and photon radioactivity | Ion exchange, reverse osmosis |
2-002.09Small Systems Compliance Technologies List for RadionuclidesLIST OF SMALL SYSTEMS COMPLIANCE TECHNOLOGIES FOR RADIONUCLIDES AND LIMITATIONS TO USE
Unit Technologies | Limitations (See Footnotes) | Operator Skill Level Required1 | Raw Water Quality Range and Considerations1 |
1. Ion exchange (IE) | a | Intermediate | All ground waters |
2. Point of use (POU2) IE | b | Basic | All ground waters |
3. Reverse osmosis (RO) | c | Advanced | Surface waters usually require pre-filtration |
4. POU2 RO | b | Basic | Surface waters usually require pre-filtration |
5. Lime softening | d | Advanced | All waters |
6. Green sand filtration | e | Basic | |
7. Co-precipitation with barium sulfate | f | Intermediate to Advanced | Ground waters with suitable water quality |
8. Electrodialysis/ electrodialysis reversal | --- | Basic to Intermediate | All ground waters |
9. Pre-formed hydrous manganese oxide filtration | g | Intermediate | All ground waters |
10. Activated alumina | a, h | Advanced | All ground waters; competing anion concentrations may affect regeneration frequency |
11. Enhanced coagulation/filtration | i | Advanced | Can treat a wide range of water qualities |
1 National Research Council (NRC), Safe Water from Every Tap: Improving Water Service to Small Communities. National Academy Press. Washington, D.C. 1997.
2 A POU, or "point-of-use" technology is a treatment device installed at a single tap used for the purpose of reducing contaminants in drinking water at that one tap. POU devices are typically installed at the kitchen tap. See the April 21, 2000 Federal Register Notice of Data Availability (NODA) at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/radws/frnoda.pdf for more details.
Limitations Footnotes: Technologies for Radionuclides
a The regeneration solution contains high concentrations of the contaminant ions. Disposal options should be carefully considered before choosing this technology.
b When POU devices are used for compliance, programs for long-term operation, maintenance, and monitoring must be provided by water utility to ensure proper performance.
c Reject water disposal options should be carefully considered before choosing this technology. See other RO limitations described in the SWTR compliance technologies table.
d The combination of variable source water quality and the complexity of the water chemistry involved may make this technology too complex for small surface water systems.
e Removal efficiencies can vary depending on water quality.
f This technology may be very limited in application to small systems. Since the process requires static mixing, detention basins, and filtration, it is most applicable to systems with sufficiently high sulfate levels that already have a suitable filtration treatment train in place.
g This technology is most applicable to small systems that already have filtration in place.
h Handling of chemicals required during regeneration and pH adjustment may be too difficult for small systems without an adequately trained operator.
i Assumes modification to a coagulation/filtration process already in place.
2-002.10Small System Compliance Technologies (SSCTs) for Arsenic: The Director identifies in the following table the affordable technology, treatment technique, or other means available to systems serving 10,000 individuals or fewer for achieving compliance with the maximum contaminant level for arsenic effective for the purpose of compliance as of January 23, 2006: SMALL SYSTEM COMPLIANCE TECHNOLOGIES (SSCTs)1 FOR ARSENIC2
Small system compliance technology | Affordable for listed small system categories3 |
Activated Alumina (centralized) | All size categories |
Activated Alumina (Point-of-use)4 | All size categories |
Coagulation/Filtration5 | 501-3,300, 3,301-10,000 |
Coagulation-assisted Microfiltration | 501-3,300, 3,301-10,000 |
Electrodialysis reversal6 | 501-3,300, 3,301-10,000 |
Enhanced coagulation/filtration | All size categories |
Enhanced lime softening (pH>10.5) | All size categories |
Ion Exchange | All size categories |
Lime Softening5 | 501-3,300, 3,301-10,000 |
Oxidation/Filtration7 | All size categories |
Reverse Osmosis (centralized)6 | 501-3,300, 3,301-10,000 |
Reverse Osmosis (Point-of-Use)4 | All size categories |
1 Section 1412(b)(4)(E)(ii) of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) specifies that SSCTs must be affordable and technically feasible for small systems.
2SSCTs for Arsenic V. Pre-oxidation may be required to convert Arsenic III to Arsenic V.
3The federal SDWA specifies three categories of small systems: (i) those serving 25 or more, but fewer than 501, (ii) those serving more than 500, but fewer than 3,301, and (iii) those serving more than 3,300, but fewer than 10,001.
4When POU or POE devices are used for compliance, programs to ensure proper long-term operation, maintenance, and monitoring must be provided by the water system to ensure adequate performance.
5Unlikely to be installed solely for arsenic removal. May require pH adjustment to optimal range if high removals are needed.
6Technologies to reject a large volume of water-may not be appropriate for areas where water quantity may be an issue.
7To obtain high removals, iron to arsenic ratio must be at least 20:1.
2-002.11Compliance Technologies by System Size Category for Radionuclide Drinking Water StandardsCOMPLIANCE TECHNOLOGIES BY SYSTEM SIZE CATEGORY FOR RADIONUCLIDE DRINKING WATER STANDARDS
Contaminant | Compliance technologies1 for system size categories (population served) |
25-500 | 501-3,300 | 3,300-10,000 |
Combined radium-226 and radium-228 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 |
Gross alpha particle activity | 3,4 | 3,4 | 3,4 |
Beta particle activity and photon activity | 1,2,3,4 | 1,2,3,4 | 1,2,3,4 |
Uranium | 1,2,4,10,11 | 1,2,3,4,5,10,11 | 1,2,3,4,5,10,11 |
1Note: Numbers correspond to those technologies found listed in the unit technologies column in the table in 179 NAC 2-002.09.
179 Neb. Admin. Code, ch. 2, § 002
Amended effective 3/22/2016.