What does the Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule aim to improve?

The Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule focuses on improving the treatment regulations specific to surface water systems, particularly for large public water systems. This rule was established to enhance the quality of drinking water sourced from surface water, addressing both microbial contaminants, particularly pathogens, as well as improving the overall performance of water treatment processes.

By setting higher treatment standards and requirements, the rule ensures that large systems utilize advanced technologies and practices to effectively manage and reduce contaminants in drinking water supplies. This is crucial, as surface water is more prone to contamination than groundwater, and thus requires stringent treatment measures to ensure safety and compliance with health standards.

The goal of this rule is to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and protect public health, hence its focus on large systems that serve numerous individuals. Other options, like groundwater quality standards or wastewater management, do not align with the specific aims of this rule, which is centered primarily around the treatment and safety of drinking water derived from surface sources.