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Twin Oaks wTP Clarifier | san anTOniO, TX

New Health Effects Research on Manganese

EPA Provides Updated Cryptosporidium Laboratory List

Cases of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis on the Rise

Options for Delivery of CCRs

Research News: Triclosan Impacts Muscle Function

fall 2012

[2] SDWA Newsletter | HDR

HeAltH effectS

Manganese is ubiquitous in nature, naturally occurring in air, water and soil. Its presence in water is generally a concern due to its aesthetic impact, discoloring domestic fixtures and sinks, laundry, and periodically causing colored water events following disruptions of the distribution system.

to address the aesthetic issues related to the presence of manganese in drinking water, the United States environmental Protection Agency (ePA) has established a secondary maximum contaminant level (Mcl) of 0.05 mg/l, which is provided as a non-enforceable guideline. Recent studies linking neurological impacts to consuming drinking water contaminated with manganese by infants and children have led to increased interest from the ePA and research communities.

While manganese is not currently high on ePA’s regulatory radar, the new health effects information could eventually lead to re-evaluation of published health-based guideline values. With regard to its impact on human health, it is well-known that manganese is an essential nutrient for human nutrition, but also can function as a neurotoxin with chronic exposure to high concentrations.

According to the food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences (2001), an adequate intake level of manganese for adult men is 2.3 mg per day and for adult women is 1.8 mg per day. Of the three available sources, food is thought to provide the greatest contribution of manganese. Manganese can be found in nuts, grains, fruits, legumes, tea, leafy vegetables and infant formula, as well as some meat and fish.

to address the health risk from consuming excess manganese in drinking water, several organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the california Department of Public Health (cDPH), have set guidelines or notification levels for manganese intended to provide guidance and/or alert the public of its presence in drinking water.

the cDPH requires public water systems to notify their customers as well as city and county governing bodies when manganese concentrations exceeding 0.5 mg/l are detected, a level 10 times the secondary Mcl. In 1958, WHO set a health-based guideline value for manganese in drinking water at the same level

New Health Effects Research on Manganese By Anna Zaklikowski, P.E.Anna.Zaklikowski@hdrinc.com

Food is thought to be the greatest contribution of manganese, especially nuts, grains, fruits and leafy vegetables.

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HeAltH effectS

(0.5 mg/l), which was lowered to 0.4 mg/l in 2006 to be consistent with the no observed adverse effect level (NOAel) for manganese in food. WHO discontinued this health-based guideline in 2011, asserting that 0.4 mg/l is “well above concentrations of manganese normally found in drinking water, [so] it is not considered necessary to derive a formal guideline value” (WHO, 2011).

the ePA addressed the public health threat of manganese in drinking water by publishing a Drinking Water Health Advisory in 2004, which essentially recommends reducing manganese to concentrations below the secondary Mcl (USePA, 2004). In addition, the Drinking Water Health Advisory (DWHA) provides a lifetime health advisory value (for chronic exposure) of 0.3 mg Mn/l and a one-day and 10-day health advisory level (for acute exposure) of 1 mg Mn/l for adults and children and 0.3 mg Mn/l for infants to protect against concerns of potential neurological damage. these values were developed from the NOAel of 10 mg Mn/day, the level expected to be safe for a lifetime of exposure.

While the advisory and guideline values may be protective of health over a lifetime of ingestion, infants and children are known to be more susceptible to exposure from manganese in drinking water and other sources for several reasons. first, infants and children retain more manganese as the homeostasis mechanisms that allow the body to efficiently metabolize and remove manganese have not fully developed. In addition, a recent study noted that while manganese typically occurs in water at levels significantly below that found in food, intake of water was significantly associated with manganese content of hair and intake from food was not (Bouchard et al., 2010).

this led the authors to conclude that manganese from drinking water is metabolized differently than manganese from food. this same study evaluated impacts of manganese exposure in food and water

on the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children, with manganese levels in water ranging from 0.001 mg/l to 0.27 mg/l. the authors found that the IQ of children exposed to tap water in the upper 20 percent of manganese concentration was six points below children whose water contained little or no manganese.

A significant change in IQ was not found with increased exposure to manganese in food. Given that the manganese levels evaluated were all within health-based guidelines and advisories, the results of this study are concerning and demonstrate that toxic effects from consuming manganese-laden drinking water, even at acceptable levels, are not fully understood.

In spite of recent studies and concerns, the ePA is not likely to pursue any formal rulemaking activities in the near future for manganese health advisory or regulation as a primary contaminant. It is also unclear as to whether WHO will consider these results in the development of the next edition of the Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. look for updates on this topic in the future as more research is conducted to elucidate the impacts of manganese in drinking water and health effects. v

References:1. Bouchard, M. f., S. Sauve, B. Barbeau, M. legrand, M. e. Brodeur,

t. Bouffard, e. limoges, D. c. Bellinger, and D. Mergler. 2011. Intellectual Impairment in School-Age children exposed to Manganese from Drinking Water. environmental Health Perspectives, 119(1): 138-143.

2. USePA (United States environmental Protection Agency). 2004. Drinking Water Health Advisory for Manganese [online]. 822-R-04-003. Available: http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/ccl/pdfs/reg_determine1/support_cc1_magnese_dwreport.pdf [cited: february 2, 2011].

3. WHO (World Health Organization) Geneva: WHO. 2011. Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality. fourth edition.

[4] SDWA Newsletter | HDR

ReSeARcH

electrical stimulation of isolated muscle fibers under experimental conditions normally causes a muscle contraction. In the presence of triclosan, the normal communication between two proteins that function as calcium channels was impaired, causing skeletal and cardiac muscle failure.

the researchers also found that triclosan impairs heart and skeletal muscle contractility in mice. they said that the compound acts like a potent cardiac depressant in the models they use. fathead minnows exposed to triclosan in the water for seven days had significantly reduced swimming activity.

Previous research by the same team had linked triclosan to other potentially harmful health effects, including disruption of reproductive hormone activity and of cell signaling in the brain. the team cautioned that translating results from animals to humans is a large step and would require further study. v

for more information, go to http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=10301 .

triclosan is an antibacterial chemical widely used in hand soaps and other personal care products, including deodorants, mouthwashes, toothpaste and trash bags. It is found in virtually everyone’s home and is pervasive in the environment.

Recent research results from the University of california, Davis indicate that triclosan hinders muscle contractions at a cellular level, slows swimming in fish and reduces muscular strength in mice.

In 1998, the United States environmental Protection Agency (ePA) estimated that more than 1 million pounds of triclosan are produced annually in the United States, and that the chemical is detectable in waterways and aquatic organisms ranging from algae to fish to dolphins as well as in human urine, blood and breast milk.

the investigators performed several “test tube” experiments to evaluate the effects of triclosan on muscle activity, using doses similar to those that people and animals may be exposed to during everyday life. they evaluated the effects of triclosan on molecular channels in muscle cells that control the flow of calcium ions, creating muscle contractions.

Research News: Triclosan Impacts Muscle Function By Sarah Clark, P.E.Sarah.Clark@hdrinc.com

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ReGUlAtORy GUIDANce

In their retrospective review of the consumer confidence Reporting (ccR) Rule, the United States environmental Protection Agency (ePA) identified a variety of forms of communication that utilities might use to distribute ccRs, including electronic media.

the ccR Rule requires each community water system (cWS) to mail or otherwise directly deliver one copy of its ccR to each customer annually. In response to many inquiries from cWS and primacy agencies, ePA reviewed and summarized methods of delivery and provided some discussion regarding approaches which meet the regulatory requirements.

the summary table of the methods considered is shown below. the ePA believes that social media (twitter or facebook) which require users to be members of a group do not qualify as methods for direct delivery.

electronic ccR delivery approaches are grouped in two categories:• Paper ccR Delivery with Option to Request

electronic Delivery. this may require additional cWS staff resources, but allows the customer to tailor delivery to their preferences.

• electronic Delivery with Option to Request Paper Delivery. this approach provides ccRs electronically, but allows customers to request a paper copy. Over time this approach may lead to a higher use of electronic delivery.

the pros and cons of these approaches are discussed by ePA in their review. elements that a cWS must still consider when implementing electronic delivery, such as a “good faith” effort to reach non-bill-paying customers, multilingual requirements, small system delivery and delivery certification are also addressed. v

Readers are referred to the following ePA web address for further information: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/ccr/regulations.cfm

Options for Delivery of CCRs By Sarah Clark, P.E.Sarah.Clark@hdrinc.com

Table 1. CCR Delivery Methods for Bill-Paying Customers

CCR Delivery Method Method Description

Mail – Paper copy cWS mails a paper copy of the ccR to each bill-paying customer.

Mail – Notification that ccR is available on website

cWS mails to each bill-paying customer a notification that the ccR is available and provides a direct URl to the ccR where it can be viewed. A URl that navigates

to a webpage that requires a customer to search for the ccR does not meet the “directly deliver” requirement. the mail method for the notification may be, but is not limited to, a postcard, water bill insert, statement on the water bill or community newsletter.

email – Direct URl to ccRcWS emails a direct URl to the ccR on a publicly-available site on the Internet.

A URl that navigates to a webpage that requires a customer to search for the ccR does not meet the “directly deliver” requirement.

email – ccR sent as an attachment to the email

cWS emails the ccR as an electronic file email attachment (e.g., portable document format (PDf)).

email – ccR sent as an embedded image in an email

cWS emails the ccR text and tables inserted into the body of an email (not as an attachment.)

Additional electronic delivery that meets “otherwise directly deliver” requirement*

cWS delivers ccR through a method that otherwise directly delivers to each bill-paying customer and in coordination with the primacy agency.

*This category is intended to encompass methods or technologies not included above.

[6] SDWA Newsletter | HDR

HeAltH

the centers for Disease control and Prevention (cDc) recently (September 2012) published two new reports indicating that the incidence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis increased from 2009 to 2010.

the total number of reported cases of cryptosporidiosis increased 16.9 percent from 7,656 in 2009 to 8,951 in 2010 with cases reported in all 50 states, the District of columbia and New york city. In 2007 the cDc found that reported cryptosporidiosis cases peaked at 11,657, and total estimated cases are approximately 748,000 annually.

Cases of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis on the Rise By Sarah Clark, P.E.Sarah.Clark@hdrinc.com

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Figure 1. Incidence* of cryptosporidiosis, by reporting jurisdiction – National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, United States, 2010.

Figure 2. Incidence* of cryptosporidiosis, by year – National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, United States, 1995–2010.†

Figure 3. Incidence* of giardiasis, by state/area – National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, United States, 2010.

Figure 4. Number* of giardiasis case reports, by date of illness onset – National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, United States, 2009–2010.

Reported cases of giardiasis were also found to have increased 1.9 percent from 19,403 in 2009 to 19,888 in 2010. Giardia intestinalis (also known as G. lamblia and G. duodenalis) is the most common intestinal parasite of humans identified in the United States, with an estimated 1.2 million cases occurring annually.

Distribution and occurrence of cryptosporidiosis as reported to the cDc are shown in figures 1 and 2. cryptosporidiosis occurs at much higher rates during the summer months and in children when the spread is facilitated by higher use of treated recreational water.

(continued on back cover)

[7]www.hdrinc.com

ReGUlAtORy GUIDANce

Recent heavy rains in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa, the Upper Great Lakes region and the area near Las Vegas have altered the drought outlook in those areas over the past week. However, the drought picture over the central Great Plains remains severe. The fire season is usually over by now, but this is an odd year. Fires are still burning in the Rocky Mountain states, California and Minnesota. Some are being left to burn without intervention until the snow falls. One of the current fires is burning in the same watershed that was severely burned in southern Colorado in 2002.

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U.S. Drought Monitor October 30, 2012Valid 7 a.m. EDT

The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions.Local conditions may vary. See accompanying text summaryfor forecast statements. Released Thursday, November 1, 2012

Author: Michael Brewer/L. Love-Brotak, NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC

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Intensity:D0 Abnormally DryD1 Drought - ModerateD2 Drought - SevereD3 Drought - ExtremeD4 Drought - Exceptional

http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

Drought Impact Types:

S = Short-Term, typically <6 months(e.g. agriculture, grasslands)

L = Long-Term, typically >6 months(e.g. hydrology, ecology)

Delineates dominant impacts

An updated list was published by the United States environmental Protection Agency (ePA) in mid-August 2012 that lists 47 water quality laboratories approved for measuring the occurrence of Cryptosporidium in water using ePA Method 1622 and/or ePA Method 1623, as required under the long-term 2 enhanced Surface Water treatment Rule.

the second round of sampling for Cryptosporidium begins in 2015 for the largest water systems, with smaller systems following in 2016 and 2017.

Only 33 of the 47 approved laboratories will accept samples from outside the agency that owns the laboratory, and six of those labs have limits on what they will accept. the net effect is that there are 27 laboratories nationally that will take Cryptosporidium samples without limitations.

EPA Provides Updated Cryptosporidium Laboratory List By Sarah Clark, P.E.Sarah.Clark@hdrinc.com

the labs are located in 23 states, Puerto Rico and Alberta. to see the entire list, please go to the web: http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/lt2/upload/list_lt2_approvedlabs.pdf . v

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SDWA EditorSarah clark, P.e., is the editor of SDWA. Please contact her with any comments or questions regarding this publication at (303) 764-1560. to join, change an address or be removed from the SDWA mailing list, please send requests

to SDWA@hdrinc.com .

Drinking Water Operations Wall Chart Availablethe Drinking Water Operations wall chart is available from HDR’s website, www.hdrinc.com/OpChart . this poster-sized chart is designed to assist utility personnel

with the operation and maintenance of their water systems. It includes a combination of reference tools and guidance information designed to improve system performance and achieve optimal water quality for both water treatment and distribution systems.

13th Edition SDWA Wall Chart Now Availablethe SDWA Update wall chart, published in february 2011, is available from HDR’s website, www.hdrinc.com/SDWA. the poster-sized chart provides an easy-to-use reference to

all drinking water regulations, including a detailed listing of contaminants and maximum contaminant levels, health effects and monitoring requirements.

WaterscapesWaterscapes is another technical publication produced and distributed by HDR. It focuses on the latest innovations and technical issues facing the water and wastewater markets. you can view Waterscapes on our

website at: www.hdrinc.com/waterscapes. If you would like to join our Waterscapes mailing list, please send an e-mail to waterscapes@hdrinc.com .

Career Opportunitiesfor information on career opportunities at HDR, please visit www.hdrinc.com/careers .

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Front Cover Photo: the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) selected HDR to design its first water treatment plant as part of the carrizo Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Project. for the carrizo Aquifer, the study found that a substantial increase in alkalinity was required to maintain water quality stability. the twin Oaks treatment plant features processes to increase alkalinity by about 100 mg/l in addition to the treatment required to remove the extremely high levels of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide present in the carrizo groundwater. the unique treatment process utilizes the native carbon dioxide in the groundwater with lime addition to achieve the required alkalinity increase. the resulting pH increase facilitates the beginning of oxidation of the iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide which is completed by the subsequent aeration and chemical addition steps.

Cases of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis on the Rise(continued from page 6)

Giardia is primarily transmitted through ingestion of infected human waste, either through exposure to fecally-contaminated water or food, or through contact with an infected person.

the graphs in figures 3 and 4 show the distribution of reported cases of giardiasis by location in 2010 and the time of year. the increase in giardiasis during the summer may be related to more outside activity.

the surveillance summaries showing the occurrence data for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6105a1.htm?s_cid=ss6105a1_e#Fig2 and http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss6105a2.htm?s_cid=ss6105a2_e, respectively . v