Addressing Water Treatment Challenges Faced By Potable Water Utilities

“Emerging Contaminants" can be broadly defined as any synthetic or naturally occurring chemical that is not commonly monitored in the environment. These substances have the potential to enter the environment and cause known or suspected adverse ecological and/or human health effects. In some cases, release of emerging chemicals to the environment has likely occurred for a while but may not have been recognized until new detection methods were developed. In other cases, synthesis of new chemicals or changes in use and disposal of existing chemicals can create new sources of emerging contaminants.

Utilities across the country, both large and small, typically encounter several issues when faced with treating emerging contaminants and meeting new environmental regulations. These challenges may include aging infrastructure, financing, and more.