AWWA JAW19608

This case study describes the discovery and investigation of trichloroethylene and related contamination of a public noncommunity well water supply in Montgomery County, Maryland. The raw water supply of a local electronics manufacturing firm was determined to be the source of the organics contaminants. Although the local government's response to this potential public health threat was eventually successful, the government encountered several serious technical, legal, and institutional obstacles. Conclusions are drawn from this experience and recommendations are given to provide guidance to other utilities and public health agencies that may be faced with similar problems in the future. Includes 10 references, tables, figures.