State approaches to addressing cyanotoxins in drinking water

Abstract

Cyanobacterial blooms present a risk to water supplies, especially in nutrient‐enriched bodies of water. Some algal blooms can produce cyanotoxins at levels of concern for human health and aquatic ecosystems. Currently no federally enforceable limits exist for microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, or any other cyanotoxins. However, several states have taken action based on nonenforceable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) health advisories and their own processes. This study assessed the status and scope of those state‐level programs. Data were collected through interviews with state regulatory officials accompanied by publicly available information. The authors contacted officials in each of the 50 U.S. states. Forty‐six provided responses, and four have only publicly available information. Twenty‐nine states reported to have already developed or are currently developing guidance, while 13 indicated that cyanotoxins are not an issue of concern within their jurisdiction. Two states appear in both categories. The statuses of the remaining 10 states' programs fall in between.