Phase I, II, & V rules

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Drinking Water Rules
Phase I, Phase II & IIb, and Phase V

Phase I Rule

The EPA's first response to the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments was the Phase I rule. The rule is intended to limit exposure to eight specific Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) after a 1982 survey of America's ground water supply found at least a trace of one VOC in 28 percent of large water systems.

Contaminant	MCLG	MCL	Potential Health Effects	Source of Contamination
Benzene	zero	0.005	Anemia; increased risk of cancer	Factory discharge Storage tanks leaching
Carbon tetrachloride	zero	0.005	Liver problems; Risk of cancer	Chemical plant discharge Industrial activities
1,2-Dichloroethane	zero	0.005	Increased risk of cancer	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
p-Dichlorobenzene	0.075	0.075	Anemia; liver, kidney, spleen damage	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,1-Dichloroethylene	0.007	0.007	Liver problems	Discharge from industrial chemical factories
1,1,1-Trichloroethane	0.20	0.2	Liver, nervous system, or circulatory problems	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Trichloroethylene	zero	0.005	Liver problems; increased risk of cancer	Discharge from metal degreasing sites and other factories
Vinyl chloride	zero	0.002	Increased risk of cancer	Leaching from PVC pipes; discharge from plastic factories

Phase II and IIb Rules

In 1991 the EPA issued Phase II Rules establishing legal limits for 38 additional contaminants, expanding the list to include both Synthetic Organic Compounds (SOCs) and Inorganic Compounds (IOCs). For 36 of these, both health goals and legal limits were set. The other two contaminants, Acrylamide and Epichlorohydrin, are flocculants added to water during the treatment process. These chemicals bond with dirt and other tiny contaminants and settle them to the bottom of the treatment tank, leaving cleaner water at the top. The rules limit the amount of these chemicals that systems may add to water during the treatment process.

Nitrate and nitrite were included in Phase II regulations with limits set specifically to protect infants. In addition to long term effects of ingestion, these IOCs also have the potential to pose immediate health problems for infants even when consumed in tiny doses.

Phase V Rule

In 1994, the list was further expanded bringing the total number of regulated contaminants to 84. Trace levels of some regulated Inorganic Chemicals (IOCs) such as cyanide are present naturally in water. Phase V also regulates several pesticides, six of which are probable carcinogens.

To see the most current list of regulated contaminants, their maximum contaminant levels, MCLGs, and health effects visit the EPA webpage: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html#mcls

As regulations change and expand, our staff at Neilson Research Corporation continues to assist our clients with all their regulatory compliance issues. You can be confident that your water sample will be handled in accordance with state and federal requirements, using the latest technology, proper methodology and documentation. Let us help you navigate the maze of government regulation.