Cost-effectiveness of SDWA regulations

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States)

OSTI ID:6977094

Raucher, R S; Dixon, A M; Trabka, E ^[1]; Drago, J A ^[2]

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1. RCG/Hagler Bailly, Boulder, CO (United States)
2. Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, San Francisco, CA (United States)

This article examines the extent to which the federal drinking water program is meeting its public health protection goals and reviews the costs regulations imposed on society at a time when the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is under review for reauthorization by Congress. Under the 1986 amendments, USEPA has promulgated seven significant rule-making packages covering more than 70 contaminants. The regulatory record reveals a high degree of variability in costs and risk reductions associated with these rules. For example, nearly 99% of the program's total carcinogenic risk reduction is attained for about 60% of the total regulatory costs for carcinogens because of the maximum contaminant levels established for 10 contaminants. This means about 40% of carcinogen-related regulatory costs are achieving an insignificant 1% of cancer risk reduction. If the regulations were focused on systems serving more than 500 people, almost 90% of total carcinogenic health risk reduction benefits could be realized at only 43% of the costs.

• OSTI ID: 6977094
• Journal Information: Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the American Water Works Association; (United States) Vol. 86:8; ISSN 0003-150X; ISSN JAWWA5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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CLEAN WATER ACTS
COMPLIANCE
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
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ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
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POLLUTION REGULATIONS
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