AWWA JAW6690

Trichloroethylene and related solvents occur in both untreated and treated drinking water. In general, groundwaters rather than surface waters are more likely to have significant concentrations of these compounds. The seriousness of organics in drinking water, and thus the establishment of acceptable limits, is of current concern to USEPA. Ongoing research is evaluating the effectiveness of various treatment processes in removing volatile organics from water. Results of studies that indicate that these organics can be removed by aeration, adsorption on granular activated carbon or a synthetic resin, and boiling (at the point of use) are described. Also discussed are preliminary estimates of costs for effective treatment. Compounds discussed: tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, carbon tetrachloride, and 1,2dichloroethane. Includes 49 references, tables, figures.