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Small Water Systems - Water Quality
Requirements
Edward Brunet, Jr., P.E.
Overview
The National Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) specifies
maximum permissible levels of contamination and minimum monitoring frequencies
for public water systems. Mandatory adherence to the specified maximum
contaminant level (MCL) is dependent on whether the water system serves a
community (year-round residents) or a transient population (such as parks,
campgrounds and restaurants). The MCLs are designed to protect the public
from potential health effects of long-term exposure to contaminants, so they are
generally not applicable to transient populations. Additionally, the EPA
has developed National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations that are intended to
serve as guidelines for the states and are not enforceable at the Federal level.
These guidelines address contaminants that primarily affect the aesthetic
qualities relating to public acceptance of drinking water.
In this course the student will review Chapter 3, "Water
Quality Requirements" of EM 1110-2-503, "Design of Small Water Systems"
published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This course is particularly
relevant to engineers involved in designing both public and private water
systems. Although the publication's title suggests coverage of only small
water systems, the discussion applies to large systems as well.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of
ten questions at the end of
this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and
skills:
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The National Safe Drinking Water Act's purpose and its
applicability to water systems serving different populations
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Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and maximum
contaminant level goals (MCLGs) for microbials, organics, inorganics and
radionuclides
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Secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCL's) that
affect the aesthetic qualities of drinking water
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Waterborne diseases and methods for detection and
treatment of the water supply
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The prevalence of the most common contaminants in
different water sources (surface vs. ground water), their impact on public
health and aesthetic water quality and typical removal methods.
Course
Click on the following PDF attachment and review Chapter 3, "Water Quality Requirements" of EM 1110-2-503, "Design of Small Water Systems" prior
to taking a quiz for credit. You will only be tested on Chapter 3 of the
referenced document.
Chapter
3, "Water Quality Requirements" (74 KB) Having Trouble Downloading the PDF File?
Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..."
Then save on your desktop. To view the file, double click the icon on your
desktop and return to this page to take the quiz.
You may need Acrobat Reader to view this document.
Click on the link below to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.
Note that the PDF file attached above contains only Chapter 3 of the
document, EM 1110-2-503. If you would like to view the entire
document, visit the Army Corps of Engineers website at the following URL:
http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em1110-2-503/toc.htm
To obtain PDH credits for this course, you will need to take a quiz for
credit. Click on the link below.
(To take the quiz,
your web browser must be set to accept cookies. See how to
check your cookie settings.)
 
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