Which regulation is designed to protect drinking water consumers from health risks associated with residual disinfectants and disinfection by-products?

Which regulation is designed to protect drinking water consumers from health risks associated with residual disinfectants and disinfection by-products?

• A. Drinking Water Quality Standard
• B. Safe Drinking Water Act
• C. Disinfectants and Disinfection By-products Rule
• D. Clean Water Act

Answer: (C)

The Disinfectants and Disinfection By-products Rule is specifically designed to address the health risks that can arise from residual disinfectants and the by-products generated during the disinfection process in drinking water. This regulation focuses on controlling the levels of certain chemicals that are formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic matter in water. By setting maximum allowable levels for these disinfection by-products, the rule aims to minimize the potential health risks they pose to consumers. This includes addressing concerns related to long-term exposure to these chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues. In contrast, while the Safe Drinking Water Act encompasses a wide range of regulations that protect drinking water quality, the Disinfectants and Disinfection By-products Rule is more specialized, directly focusing on the specific concerns associated with disinfectants and by-products. The Drinking Water Quality Standard is also broad and does not target disinfection by-products specifically. The Clean Water Act, however, primarily deals with the quality of surface waters and does not directly regulate drinking water safety.

The Disinfectants and Disinfection By-products Rule is specifically designed to address the health risks that can arise from residual disinfectants and the by-products generated during the disinfection process in drinking water. This regulation focuses on controlling the levels of certain chemicals that are formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic matter in water.

By setting maximum allowable levels for these disinfection by-products, the rule aims to minimize the potential health risks they pose to consumers. This includes addressing concerns related to long-term exposure to these chemicals, which have been linked to various health issues.

In contrast, while the Safe Drinking Water Act encompasses a wide range of regulations that protect drinking water quality, the Disinfectants and Disinfection By-products Rule is more specialized, directly focusing on the specific concerns associated with disinfectants and by-products. The Drinking Water Quality Standard is also broad and does not target disinfection by-products specifically. The Clean Water Act, however, primarily deals with the quality of surface waters and does not directly regulate drinking water safety.