April Urban Runoff

Spring means rain; right? For some of us, it seems like it'll never stop. For others, we’re still waiting for those April showers.

That’s spring for you.

As a child, all that rain often meant one thing – it was time to break out the toy boats and head to the street. At that time road grime, sticks, an errant soft drink can and all other forms of urban runoff was given the generic yet universally understood term garbage. To a young boy with a toy boat, such garbage wasn’t necessarily all that bad. But back then I knew nothing of TIEs, TLVs or whether that imaginary enemy craft had a known point source or not.

While it could be argued by some that life for a 10 year old was better back then, it’s good to know that advances in research, technology and regulations have increased our awareness and made life a lot safer.

In this issue of The Water Main, we take a closer look at garbage in the water (or at least some news about some of the EPA's latest changes to help us keep our water supply clean).

Jack

EPA Expedites Safe Drinking Water Test Methods

On April 10, 2007, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their intention to implement an expedited process for approving alternative test methods to find drinking water contaminants. These changes effect existing regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This new action proposes a swifter approach for providing public water systems, laboratories and primary agencies access to new measurement techniques. It also provides more flexibility in the selection of analytical methods. The result: hopefully reduced monitoring costs without sacrificing public health protection.

The EPA is seeking alternative analytical methods for EPA Method 200.5 which contains test methods for many drinking water contaminants.

The EPA is requesting your comments on the implementation aspects of the expedited process. They must be received on, or before, June 11, 2007. You can send your comments to:

Water Docket
Environmental Protection Agency
Mailcode 4101T
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460
FAX: 292-566-1749

Or, you can email your thoughts to:OW-Docket@epa.gov or simply follow the online instructions here: http://www.regulations.gov

Make sure you reference Docket ID No. IPA-HQ-OW-2006-0958

Product Spotlight

Orion 5-Star Multiparameter Meter

This Multiparameter Meter measures pH, ISE, dissolved oxygen, ORP and conductivity. Plus, you can store up to 10 password-protected methods so you can easily find operation procedures. It's the perfect solution for meeting the EPA's ISE methods for analysis of wastewater and for NPDES permitting.

Its backlit display simultaneously shows pH or ISE, conductivity, DO and temperature. Battery offers more than 2000 hours of continuous operation. Features a full array of GLP-related information, including 21 CFR part 11 software. Measures temperatures from -5° to 105°C.

Click here to buy this meter from Ben Meadows!

EPA Approves Four New ISE Methods

On March 12, 2007 the EPA released the Methods Update* Final Rule that approved four new ion selective electrode (ISE) methods for analysis in wastewater and for NPDES permitting. The newly EPA-approved methods are:

* 40 CFR Part 122, 136, et al. Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants Under the Clean Water Act; National Primary Drinking Water Regulations; and National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations: Analysis and Sampling Procedures; Final Rule.

Spout Off!
Your Chance to Win!

Last Issue’s Question:

The APWA recommended color code red designates what type of line?

Ron from Sacramento, CA knew the correct answer was, C. Electrical Lines! We’ll be sending Ron a LaMotte zip-front khaki windbreaker.

This Month’s Question:

Which of the following designations denotes a greater waterproof rating?

A. IP7x
B. IPx7
C. IP55
D. IPWP

Send your answer via email to: editor@benmeadows.com

While you're at it, let us know your job title and function and what topics you'd like to see covered in future issues of The Water Main.

Answers must be received by Monday, May 21, 2007. We'll select one lucky prize winner from all the correct entries. If you are selected, we will notify you by email. Don't forget to include an address (if you win, we'll need to know where to send your prize)!

This month's prize: Smith & Wesson® ViewMaster™ Polarized Safety Glasses

To be eligible to receive a prize you must include your name and mailing address. This information must correspond to your benmeadows.com registration information. If you are not registered at benmeadows.com click here and register TODAY!