The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is releasing an updated toxicity assessment for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), a member of a larger group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A toxicity assessment is a written summary of the potential health effects associated with a chemical and identifies the dose levels at which those health effects may occur in Read More
Tool Helps Communities Protect Recreational Waters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has released an improved web-based app to help communities identify potential sources of pollution to recreational waters. This science-based and data-informed tool empowers communities and supports engagement in local decisions in protecting the health of swimmers and recreators from contaminants at lakes, rivers, and beaches, while supporting the vitality Read More
Lead & Copper Rule Delayed, More Public Input Requested
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced a delay in the effective date of the Revised Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) to provide time to seek further public input. To accomplish this goal, the USEPA has posted two notices regarding the revised LCR and announced plans to hold virtual listening sessions in April and May. The Read More
Drought Info for Utilities
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has updated the drought.gov website to include information that will be useful to utilities. NOAA’s National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) program now compiles information about streamflow, snowpack, snow drought (abnormally low snowpack), and precipitation outlooks. NIDIS allows users to look at current and historical data from across the United Read More
SCADA Cybersecurity Best Practices for Utilities
The alarming news of a cyberattack on a Florida city’s water system has utility workers across the nation wondering if their systems are secure. On the afternoon of February 5th, a water plant operator in Oldsmar, Florida noticed his cursor moving on his computer screen, independent of him. The water utility had been hacked. The Read More
AWIA Connection to Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity breach in Oldsmar, Florida drives home the importance of the cybersecurity recommendations included in America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA). “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been issuing warnings for more than a decade about the existence of hackers who aim to harm the nation’s electrical grid and water systems. The Risk and Read More