Agenda - 01-30-1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. EPA is also in the process of regulating many synthetic organic chemicals (SOCs ) in water supplies. It is expected that perhaps 50-100 SOCs will be regulated over the next several years. Water authorities will be required to comply with these new drinking water standards and monitor for compliance. This will be a costly activity, for which there are obvious economies of scale at larger facilities. 5. It is expected that the unsettled regulatory environment and the necessary periodic re-evaluation of the adequacy of water treatment processes may be difficult, and costly, for small unsophisticated water supply operations. 6. It is likely that a study of the treatability of water from Jordan Lake will soon begin, under the direction of Professor Phillip Singer of UNC. This study will lead to the selection of the appropriate water treatment option, given the level of contamination of Jordan Lake and given the EPA drinking water regulations. Despite the concern expressed about the water quality in Jordan Lake, SOCs in the lake have been consistently below detection limits. 7. Jordan Lake will probably be an important source of drinking water for several communities. Accordingly, it is anticipated that a single regional plant will be constructed at an already- identified location (above US 64 on the New Hope arm); ' this location was selected to avoid the more-contaminated Haw River water. Professor Singer's work will obviously affect the design of this plant. The result is likely to be a sophisticated operation with economies of scale . that should make it an attractive option for small communities like Hillsborough. In summary, I believe that Orange County should examine its options in light of these observations. I would be pleased to talk with you, or with Orange County officials, about this matter. • • • 2 •