Regulations

Abstract

The discovery of the formation of Disinfection By Products (DBPs), as result of the interaction between the Natural Organic Matter (NOM) and the chlorine, in presence and absence of bromide, the related health effect and the potential carcinogenicity of such DBPs led many organizations and countries to issue specific guidelines and regulations to control DBPs in drinking water. The present study reports an overview of the National and International regulation on DBPs, discussing the evolution of the regulations enacted by the main Organisations, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Community. The implementation or the adoption of those regulations by several European and Mediterranean Countries is discussed, as well. A comparison among the discussed regulations in terms of parameters set and related limit values is also carried out. Although many regulations were issued, a significant development of new regulations can be envisioned in the next years due to the fact that many researches need to be conducted on DBPs formation, toxicity and control.© 2007 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.