Chemicals in Potable Reuse: Prioritizing and Controlling a Wide Universe of Compounds

Abstract

Key Takeaways:

• While pathogens can cause health impacts after even short-term exposures, most chemicals of concern in potable reuse only impact public health after long-term, chronic exposures.
• Experts agree that potable reuse should focus on a wider diversity of chemicals than those regulated in traditional drinking water sources. One challenge is to identify which compounds should be prioritized.
• A commonly used risk-based approach prioritizes compounds that are frequently detected and at concentrations above their health thresholds. Lists of relevant compounds can be further refined through the selection of conservative indicators and surrogates.
• Multiple strategies are needed to control the ever-evolving universe of chemicals including robust and diverse treatment, source control, monitoring, and, in the case of indirect potable reuse, the environmental buffer.