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Proposed changes to Ohio drinking water rules will better protect public health

Release Date: 06/27/2006
Contact Information: Phillippa Cannon, (312) 353-6218, cannon.phillippa@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06 - OPA108

CHICAGO (Jun. 27, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 seeks comments on its tentative decision to approve five changes to Ohio's drinking water regulations that will enhance protection of public health and increase information provided to the public about drinking water. The changes are required under amendments to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. As EPA adopts new drinking water regulations, states such as Ohio that administer their own programs must adopt rules at least as stringent.
Ohio plans to adopt:

* The revised definition of a Public Water System to include systems that provide drinking water through conduits other than pipes;
* The Consumer Confidence Report rule that requires public drinking water systems to provide their customers with annual reports on the quality of their drinking water;
* The revised Public Notification rule that emphasizes the consumer's right to know about the quality of their drinking water and sets guidelines for the form, manner, frequency and content of public notices;
* The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment rule improves public health by increasing protection against waterborne pathogens such as cryptosporidium;
* The Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts rule that minimizes exposure to disinfectants that are added to drinking water and byproducts that can form in water distribution systems.

If there is sufficient interest, EPA will hold a public hearing on the proposed changes. Comments and requests for a hearing should be postmarked by July 12 and sent to EPA Region 5, Ground Water and Drinking Water Branch (WG-15J), 77 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604 or e-mailed to brown.alicia@epa.gov

Documents on the proposed changes are available for review at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Drinking and Ground Water, 122 S. Front St., Columbus, OH 43215 and at EPA's regional office in Chicago.