Emerging compounds: A concern for water and wastewater utilities

The treatment technologies discussed in this article explore the removal of compounds of emerging concern (CECs). There are no regulations currently restricting CECs, but with the recent media attention and increasing public awareness of the issue, as well as improving technology to detect these substances, regulations may be on the horizon. The future regulatory scenarios to address these CECs will be of most interest utility managers. There are several source control alternatives as well as treatment technologies that can help to reduce CEC concentrations in drinking water. This article summarizes the effects, removal, and regulatory responses to CECs and outlines where more research is needed. Water utilities are encouraged to begin planning for long-term upgrades and policies to address CECs. In addition, the authors ecourage cooperation between water and wastewater utilities.-LH