Lab Matters Spring 2023 | Page 25

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH nutrients ( e . g ., nitrogen and phosphorus ) to better predict conditions favorable for harmful algal bloom formation , and inorganics like total dissolved solids to ensure drinking water taste will not be affected . Wastewater process control testing may also increase to ensure quality data , when it is understood that wastewater effluent is now source water for reuse systems ..

States are starting to draft policies to help clarify what will be needed to protect public health within their jurisdiction . For example , in Texas , Senate Bill 905 Regulation 11 of the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulations . The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment is now creating draft water reuse policies that will have monitoring recommendations .

As the US addresses the growing issue of water scarcity , water reuse will become more widespread and play an important role in national security and stability . If water reuse is being considered in your jurisdiction , public health laboratories have an opportunity to help inform and develop water reuse testing and practices to ensure public health protection .

If you have questions , please contact Hunter Adams ( hunter . adams @ wichitafallstx . gov ) or Sarah Wright ( sarah . wright @ aphl . org ). g

References :

1 . Adams H , Southard M , Nix D . ( 2020 ) USEPA Develops National Water Reuse Action Plan . Opflow . 46 ( 7 ): 6-7 . https :// doi . org / 10.1002 / opfl . 1393

2 . United States Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA ). National Water Reuse Action Plan . Accessed October 24 , 2022 . https :// www . epa . gov / waterreuse / water-reuse-action-plan

3 . US EPA . 2017 . Potable Reuse Compendium . Accessed December 22 , 2022 . https :// www . epa . gov / sites / default / files / 2018-01 / documents / potablereusecompendium _ 3 . pdf