Issues in managing the risks associated with perchlorate in drinking water

Perchlorate (ClO4-) contamination of ground and surface waters has placed d rinking water supplies at risk in communities throughout the US, especially in the West. Several major assessment studies of that risk in terms of hea lth and environmental impact are expected to be released by the US Environm ental Protection Agency in early 1999, and preparations for how best to man age and minimize that risk are underway Perchlorate salts are used in rocke t and missile propulsion; therefore, it is believed that the pollution is d erived primarily from defense and supporting industry. Due to the perchlora te anion Is fundamental physical and chemical nature, the contamination is difficult to treat or remediate. The current work describes the evolution o f the unique team-based governmental response to the problem and the rapidi ty of its development. Technologies under consideration that may prove feas ible for treating contaminated water supplies are discussed and evaluated. The impact of these treatment technologies on other regulatory compliance m atters and limitations of space, cost, and other resources are considered. Practical guidelines for approaching the problem are outlined, and current research needs are identified.