EPA Releases Registration Guide for Drinking Water Disinfectants
October 23, 2017
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a “Quick Guide for Disinfectant Products for Drinking Water Use” to provide potential pesticide registrants with a basic understanding of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and how it relates to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
The new guide clarifies the authorities and steps necessary for registering drinking water disinfectants under both laws. It is important to note that FIFRA registration does not mean that the product is in compliance with the SDWA, health protection regulations, or any other state or territorial laws for drinking water. Public Water Systems (PWS), and other drinking water regulatory agencies, often require additional data from water disinfectants that have already been registered by EPA to demonstrate safety and efficacy.
This guide and regulatory clarification comes a few weeks after multiple states and territories in the US, including Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico weathered substantial hurricanes that limited residents access to safe drinking water and other resources.
