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12/2/2024
WT Staff
 Got water questions? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email us at info@wtla.us
December 2, 1121 am CST
Mystery toxin found in US drinking water identified
Safe Drinking Water Act
The EPA monitors novel contaminants of concern to maintain safe drinking water in the USA. A roster of contaminants of concern are studied extensively in the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring program, a five year intensive investigation to determine whether or not updates need to be made to the SDWA regulations. Following the latest five year testing cycle and announced earlier this year, a group of per- and polyfluoroalkyn (PFAS) substances were added to the list of contaminants that drinking water facilities must manage and maintain below an established maximum. In the last five year investigation cycle, a group of cyanotoxins were studied, the results of that process led to a Health Directive with no change made to the regulations.
Another group of contaminants, the toxic by-products formed when organic particles in raw water react with products used in the disinfection process were added to the SDWA regulations as far back as 1979. Chloroamines are used for disinfection of drinking water for more than 100 million US residents. See the history of the SDWA regulations concerning disinfection by-products, here.
A recent article published in the journal "Science" has identified and characterized what has so far been referred to as an unknown toxin. The article titled "Chloronitramide anion is a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines" by Fairey et el, (Nov 21, 2024 Science, Vol 386 Issue 6724, pp 882-887) at last identifies the unknown. According to the authors, the "chloronitramide anion" has been detected in US drinking water samples where chloroamines are used for disinfection, potentially impacting over 100 million people in the USA. Following more study by the EPA we may see this contaminant added to the SDWA By-products of disinfection rules in the future. More to follow.
Streamflow Situation from the network of USGS streamflow monitors in Louisiana
Fair, high 66 for New Orleans Monday. Streamflows are up statewide overnight, normal to above normal with fewer stations reporting below the 25th percentile and rated below normal. An extreme low 1st percentile remains on Boeuf River in Region 3. At this report, there are no floodings or extreme high flows observed in the reference network.
Extreme drought hangs on along Bayou Macon-Tensas River channel in watershed Region 3, bordered by a larger area now rated below normal. Jackson, Winn, Ouachita and Caldwell Parishes joining Claiborne, west Union, Lincoln, West Carroll, east Morehouse, Richland and Franklin Parishes on the drought map with the below normal status. Region 1 watershed's Bossier and Webster Parishes continue below normal. Back on the drought map Monday is Tangipahoa Parish in Region 7, below normal. The remaining watersheds of Louisiana remain unrated on the drought map.
See Louisiana Drinking Water Facility Profiles, here.
See Louisiana Serious Violator Lists from October 2024 back to July 2023, here.
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