The D/DBP Rule: where did the numbers come from?

Abstract

Number crunchers helped D/DBP reg‐neg participants balance chronic chemical risks and acute microbial risks. Because of the difficulties in balancing chemical and microbial risks in drinking water, a negotiated rule‐making process was used to develop the proposed Disinfectants/Disinfection Byproducts (D/DBP) Rule, the proposed Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, and the proposed Information Collection Rule. During the process, negotiators were aided by the Technologies Working Group, which quantified the costs and benefits of various treatment alternatives. This article summarizes the technical analyses of D/DBP exposure reductions and the national compliance costs that were developed to support the negotiated rule‐making process.