AWWA JAW49897

Regulations for microorganisms, disinfectants, and disinfection byproducts (DBPs) have been promulgated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). These rules, along with the Information Collection Rule (ICR), were the result of many years of discussions and negotiations with stakeholders. Stakeholder negotiations are currently being conducted to make recommendations regarding additional rules for microbiological contaminants and DBPs. One of these will be the Stage 2 Disinfectants/DBP (D/DBP) Rule. Certain elements and dynamics are necessary to the success of negotiatory rulemaking. Experience with the negotiatory process during the past seven years in the United States is reviewed here for the Microbial/DBP (M/DBP) Rule as a guide for others considering this approach to developing regulations. Includes 11 references, tables.