Training and Technical Assistance

In October 2001, EPA announced that the final standard for arsenic in drinking water of 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L) would become effective in February 2002. As part of the announcement, EPA's administrator pledged $20 million during 2002 and 2003 for the research and development of more cost-effective treatment technologies, and to provide training and technical assistance to operators.Since then, EPA has presented workshops nationwide to provide in-depth treatment technology training so that drinking water systems are compliant with the new Arsenic Rule. The challenges include determining the best, lowest-cost technology for a system and finding money to fund the technology.

As they move into compliance, small-system operators face many challenges. In response to those challenges, EPA initiated the Arsenic Removal Technology Demonstration Program in 2002 to evaluate performance, reliability, and cost of arsenic removal technologies and their impact on distribution systems. Under the program, full-scale demonstrations of commercially ready treatment technologies are conducted at selected public water supplies across the United States.

To assist states and water utility operators in meeting the new arsenic standard of
10 µg/L, EPA provides training and technical assistance materials such as software, design manuals, and webcasts. The items offered below provide practical information for states and operators as they move into compliance with the new Arsenic Rule.

Tools

Several training tools are available to educate water utility operators about arsenic treatment technologies and to assist the operators in choosing the appropriate arsenic treatment for their facilities.

Arsenic Virtual Trade Show

EPA has developed a Web site that includes brief treatment technology descriptions, interactive decision trees, questions to ask engineers and vendors when choosing a treatment technology, and a searchable vendor database.

Interactive Training CD

The Interactive Workshop on the Removal of Arsenic From Drinking Water is a companion CD to the 11 successful arsenic training events held in 2005. This CD features user-friendly navigation through the various types of arsenic treatment, including audio commentary from the nation's top experts. To order a copy, call 1-800-490-9198 and refer to EPA 625-C-05-004.

Evaluating Engineers and Vendors:
A Brochure for Drinking Water Systems

This brochure helps water utility operators navigate the process of selecting an appropriate arsenic treatment, engineering firm, and treatment vendor. It also provides basic information on available treatment technologies, estimated treatment installation and operation costs, as well as important questions to ask engineering firms and vendors when looking for the best treatment. To order a copy, call 1-800-490-9198 and refer to EPA 816-R-05-008.

Arsenic Treatment Technology Evaluation
Handbook for Small Systems

This handbook includes general arsenic treatment information, cost evaluation tools, and design considerations for specific treatment technologies. A series of process selection decision trees enables utility operators to make decisions about arsenic treatment approaches prior to considering design.

Arsenic Treatment Technology Evaluation Handbook for Small Systems (PDF) (151 pp, 1.9 MB)

The decision trees contained in this document were current when the handbook was published in 2003. They are still relevant and can provide a simple guide for selecting an arsenic treatment. However, since publication, EPA has slightly modified the trees to reflect changes in regulations and arsenic treatment technologies. The trees are intended for use as an iterative tool; users can work their way through the trees a number of times, modifying preferences and system-specific circumstances. There may not be a single solution. Further cost evaluation and assessment of other considerations, such as labor commitments, residual disposal, and available space, may be necessary.

Treatment DVDs

EPA has developed six short videos that showcase the real-world application of various arsenic treatment removal technologies. To order a copy, call 1-800-490-9198 and refer to EPA 816-C-05-005.

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Training

Since 2002, EPA has offered training to water utility operators on arsenic removal technologies, best waste disposal options, and the process of choosing the most appropriate treatment technology. Following are presentations and transcripts from selected workshops, webcasts, and on-site training sessions

Workshop on Arsenic Removal Demonstration Program: Results and Lessons Learned - August 2006

In August 2006, NRMRL and the Office of Water hosted a workshop on EPA’s Arsenic Removal Demonstration Program. Information on the performance and costs of arsenic removal technologies was provided.

Workshop Brochure (PDF) (2 pp, 182 KB) (EPA/600/F-06/007) May 2006

Workshop Agenda