Mary:
Yes, contaminants can travel long distances in ground water.
Especially here in Florida, which has a Karst geology and sandy
soils. One of the sections in my Division runs Florida's drinking
water program under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the staff
periodically briefs Congressional aids on drinking water issues.
We, too, have nitrate problems, and have been pursuing funding for
a nitrate program. The source is typically, as you said,
agricultural waste (e.g., dairy farms), but sewage (septic tanks,
etc.) is also a problem.
The point I was making in my earlier message refers to the
requirement that all public water systems test for all contaminants
with MCLs (maximum contaminant levels) established by EPA even if
the pesticide or whatever is not even used in the remote vicinity.
One example is pesticide used on pineapple farms in Hawaii - why
should public systems in Florida have to test for a chemical used
in Hawaii? The testing is very expensive, approaching unaffordable
for small systems, and we have recommended to Congress that more
common sense be used in this area so that money can go towards
other needs, such as maintenance of water system equipment.
Approximately 90% of Florida's drinking water comes from the
ground, and we have been active in trying to get changes to the
Clean Water Act to more adequately address the problem.
Unfortunately other States don't think it's such a big deal, and
oppose our recommendation. Our expert is Rodney DeHan
(904/488-3601), who serves on national committees working on ground
water issues. Can you help him in this effort?
aVr
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
