The Old West had small populations and certainly never had
to worry about water quality. You can watch any Old West movie and see cowboys
dipping their cups into a barrel outside the local saloon. Most of us cringe at
what could be in there, but they just never worried.
Now, the face of the West is very different. The "New
West" has emerged full of concerns and new laws that make water treatment
necessary and some that make it harder to sell. California is well-known for its
progressive way of thinking. Although often its tactics may be questioned, many
people anxiously wait to see what will be next. Will there be more bans?
Stricter regulations? The state's legislation continually has been challenged by
the Water Quality Association, NSF International, water treatment professionals
nationwide and other organizations. With all of this in mind, let's take a look
at some things that are happening in the Western region.
* Methyl tertiary
butyl ether (MTBE) continues to make headlines as gas companies continue taking
steps towards eliminating its use in gasoline. Chevron U.S.A., Inc. announced
its latest efforts to discontinue its use of MTBE in all gasoline sold in
California. Its phaseout is expected to be complete by May of this year,
finishing ahead of California Governor Gray Davis' deadline of December 2003.
Chevron's gas uses ethanol instead of the more widely used MTBE, a possible
carcinogen. MTBE was the product of choice to reduce air pollution until it was
pinpointed as a water contaminant. Ethanol is the only approved oxygenate for
California gas.
* Perchlorate is
becoming more common in the the Southwest region of the United States. Drinking
water supplies stemming from the Colorado River have seen a rise in perchlorate
levels. The river serves approximately 20 million people, and the contamination
has forced hundreds of wells to be closed. Most of the perchlorate manufactured
in the United States is used as the primary ingredient of solid rocket
propellant. Wastes from the manufacture and improper disposal of perchlorate-containing
chemicals will demand treatments such as biological treatment and ion (anion)
exchange systems with other technologies continually being examined.
* Salinity concerns
and issues relating to the California law SB 1006 continue to arise. The law
went into effect January 1. This bill states that water districts can ban
automatic water softeners if they meet a set of state-mandated criteria
including being out of compliance with waste discharge or water reclamation
standards. Also, districts must identify and take steps to reduce all sources of
salt, and they must show that banning softeners would bring the district into
compliance.
In addition to these issues and concerns, you can find out
more about what's happening in the Western region on page 10. The focus on the
Western states includes discussion on mold, arsenic and reverse osmosis
technology updates.
Best Wishes,
Wendi Hope King