EPA to Tighten Limit on Arsenic in Drinking Water

Date: November 1, 2001

Source: News Room

The Bush administration plans to reinstate a Clinton-era plan to sharply restrict the amount of arsenic allowed in drinking water to help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The Environmental Protection Agency was widely criticized in March when it suspended a regulation written by the Clinton administration that would slash the amount of arsenic in tap water to 10 parts per billion. The incoming administration said it wanted another study of the health risks before adopting a rule that would be costly to many businesses and small communities. The EPA will reinstate the 10 ppb limit on arsenic, replacing the 50 ppb standard in effect for decades. No other developed nation allows 50 ppb of arsenic in its drinking water.

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