Document Z8yYwJvMgdO0vYmmeBqJr1y2O

PROPOSED AWWA POLICY STATEMENT ON ASBESTOS IN DRINKING WATER Submitted to the AWWA Water Quality Division by the Ad Hoc Committee on Asbestos in Drinking Water, November 10, 1981. The American Water Works Association believes there is no demonstrated risk associated with the ingestion of asbestos m drinking water. . In accordance with this policy, the Association recommends that: ^ < 1. The Association keep its members fully informed on the subject of asbestos in drinking water. 2. Water utilities share this information with their cus tomers and with local health authorities, when appro priate to the local situation. 3. Every water utility should be prepared to respond promptly, to the extent of its knowledge, to public , inquiries made about asbestos in the local drinking water supply. 4. Utilities which use asbestos containing materials in the water-system should follow approved AWWA procedures for handling, cutting, machining, and tapping such ma terials . 5. Utilities should minimize the possibility of asbestos fibers in drinking water by striving to meet the Asso ciation's water quality goals regarding noncorrosivity and turbidity and its policy on the treatment of- public water supplies. 6. Unless a definite causal relationship between asbestos in drinking water and adverse health effects Is demon strated, standards and regulations wit~H~ respect to asbestos in drinking water should not be promulgated. 7. Research on asbestos in drinking water should continue. D 003574-