RCAC: Achieve & Maintain Compliance with SDWA Series Part 3 of 3

The Achieve & Maintain Compliance with SDWA 3-Part Series is being held in Pacific Time.

Description: Cyanobacteria, formerly referred to as blue-algae, are found naturally in lakes, rivers, ponds and other surface waters. When certain conditions exist, such as in warm water containing an abundance of nutrients, they can rapidly form harmful algal blooms (HABs). Some HABs are capable of producing toxins, called cyanotoxins, which can pose health risks to humans and animals through drinking water and recreational water exposure. Additionally, HABs can create taste and odor problems in drinking water, which do not have adverse human health impacts but can create an earthy and musty taste and smell.

The purpose of this learning event is to provide operators of small water systems with a basic knowledge of the causes, health effects and treatment of cyanobacteria and their associated endotoxins in drinking water. Contaminants related to algal blooms are a relatively new area of concern for water systems using surface supplies.

Participants will learn:

• Basic information about cyanobacteria and the toxins associated with these organisms
• Information about Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) providing an understanding of the characteristics and conditions of that result in HABs; including California’s HAB Incident Reporting Map
• An overview of the treatment technologies for the removal of cyanotoxins in the drinking water treatment plant; including a framework for the management of cyanotoxins in a drinking water supply

Recommended audience: operators, managers, and board members of water systems that use surface water supplies.

Accreditation: 2 California Drinking Water Continuing Education Units awarded per session