The virtual Surface Water Treatment Optimization for Harmful Algal Blooms training will be Thursday, December 15, 2022. The class is free and 0.6 CEUs will be awarded for those that attend. If unable to attend, the presentations will be recorded.
This guide includes two “Quick Self-Assessments”. One to determine the level of concern by evaluating specific conditions. The other to evaluate what tools the system already has access to respond to cyanotoxins.
The Washington State Department of Health created this “Guidance for Developing a Harmful Algal Bloom Management and Response Plan” for their public drinking water systems that use surface water sources.
This EPA document is to help public water systems understand their source water, how to anticipate treatment needs, and what treatment options are available to protect the finished water.
This resource contains webpages that focus on planktonic and benthic blooms. Planktonic blooms are more visible and commonly known blooms that are suspended in the water column. Benthic blooms are when cyanobacteria grow along the bottom of a water body or on submerged vegetation or woody debris. It is strongly recommended that all surface water systems learn more about benthic blooms as dangerous toxin levels have been associated with benthic blooms in rivers and streams where sunlight can penetrate to the bottom of the water body.
DEQ is anticipating approximately $7.5 million will be available for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to specifically address emerging contaminants, including cyanotoxins. This money is made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Interested applicants can submit an Emerging Contaminants – Drinking Water letter of interest (LOI) which will be competitively scored and prioritized based on the information provided. For assistance in completing and submitting this LOI, a pre-recorded informational training can be viewed at: Supplemental Letter of Interest Informational Public Meeting.
