Federal Drinking Water Standards—Past, Present and Future

The old and recent history of disease outbreaks and system failures has demonstrated the necessity of assuring the quality and safety of the drinking water provided for public use. Federal Drinking Water Standards have evolved through the years to reflect new concerns and the advance of technology. The challenge to be met in connection with future editions of the Drinking Water Standards relate principally to: (1) the conduct of research and investigations that will delineate the acute and chronic health hazards of organic and inorganic chemicals and viruses; and (2) the development of new knowledge that will allow the establishment of criteria and operational controls for the direct reuse of treated wastewater for public water supply.