DENVER — The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Research Foundation (WRF) released a guide to help water utility managers detect and control cyanotoxins, according to a press release.
Cyanotoxins are algae-related contaminants that led to a “do not drink” advisory last summer for 400,000 people in Toledo, Ohio, stated the release.
The guide, “A Water Utility Manager’s Guide to Cyanotoxins,” addresses the occurrence of cyanotoxins, source water management and treatment strategies, continued the release.
Available for free download on both the AWWA and WRF websites, the guide is presented in a simple Q&A format, and a more technical companion document is in development, reported the release.
The guide comes as the federal government considers how to address cyanotoxins from both legislative and regulatory perspectives, noted the release, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to publish a health advisory on cyanotoxins later this spring or summer to assist water managers and regulations as they develop steps to protect the public from unregulated contaminants.
“The Toledo incident launched cyanotoxins into the public consciousness,” said AWWA President John Donahue. “This guide will help water managers make informed decisions in how they manage cyanotoxin concerns and communicate effectively with their customers.”
Read the entire release here.
