ADEQ Adopts Standards For Chemicals In Public Drinking Water

The ADEQ has announced that they will adopt standards to regulate the use of chemicals & equipment that come into contact with drinking water, further ensuring that Arizonans have a safe, reliable supply of drinking water.

Under a law that took effect yesterday, ADEQ will prescribe minimum standards for public water systems to use chemicals, additives & drinking water system components that come into contact with drinking water.

In 2004, ADEQ revoked the certification of a well operator who used household bleach, pool chlorine & other improper chemicals to disinfect the Rose Valley public drinking water system in Peoria, posing a potential hazard to human health. ADEQ's decision was upheld by the state Office of Administrative Hearings last year.

Under the new law, ADEQ is adopting existing standards by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), a non-profit organization that develops standards & provides product certification & education in the field of public health & safety. NSF standards for drinking water chemicals, additives & components have been adopted by 44 other states.