AWWA JAW72293

This article offers a comprehensive discussion of trace inorganic contaminants (TICs), an emerging water quality and public health issue. Because of their public health implications, TICs are likely to receive continued regulatory scrutiny and may ultimately factor into a future distribution system rule that requires use of best practices for operating, monitoring, and maintaining water distribution systems. Despite the issue's relevance, however, significant gaps exist with regard to potential release scenarios, the specific factors that most influence chemical release, and remediation that can be undertaken to manage potential risks. The authors identify the most glaring of these voids and propose fundamental research and utility monitoring strategies to address them. In addition, they offer specific guidance on implementation of focused distribution system monitoring programs; system operations in terms of blending, water quality consistency, and hydraulics; and, unanticipated effects of such routine system activities as pipe flushing.

Includes 42 references, table, figures.