AWWA JAW57690

Pontius continues his annual tradition of providing an updated assessment of US Environmental Protection Agency regulations and a regulatory outlook. The current status and agenda for the coming year are outlined. In addition, the author discusses several important regulatory actions expected in 2003, including proposal of the Stage 2 Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts Rule, the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, the final Groundwater Rule, and the final Radon Rule. A section on biological and chemical warfare agents is also included. Because the regulatory political horizon is continually changing as budgets shrink and players and priorities change, the information in this article can help water providers stay abreast of the most current regulatory demands. Because it takes years to implement major treatment changes, utilities must review regulations regularly and assess the expected effects of future rules to plan effectively. Includes 35 references, tables.