81 FR 46839 - Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 138 (July 19, 2016)

Page Range46839-46848
FR Document2016-16516

This action announces the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) approval of alternative testing methods for use in measuring the levels of contaminants in drinking water and determining compliance with national primary drinking water regulations. The Safe Drinking Water Act authorizes EPA to approve the use of alternative testing methods through publication in the Federal Register. EPA is using this streamlined authority to make 16 additional methods available for analyzing drinking water samples. This expedited approach provides public water systems, laboratories, and primacy agencies with more timely access to new measurement techniques and greater flexibility in the selection of analytical methods, thereby reducing monitoring costs while maintaining public health protection.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 138 (Tuesday, July 19, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46839-46848]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16516]



[[Page 46839]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 141

[EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281; FRL-9948-54-OW]


Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the 
Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis 
and Sampling Procedures

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action announces the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency's (EPA's) approval of alternative testing methods for use in 
measuring the levels of contaminants in drinking water and determining 
compliance with national primary drinking water regulations. The Safe 
Drinking Water Act authorizes EPA to approve the use of alternative 
testing methods through publication in the Federal Register. EPA is 
using this streamlined authority to make 16 additional methods 
available for analyzing drinking water samples. This expedited approach 
provides public water systems, laboratories, and primacy agencies with 
more timely access to new measurement techniques and greater 
flexibility in the selection of analytical methods, thereby reducing 
monitoring costs while maintaining public health protection.

DATES: This action is effective July 19, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-2016-0281. All documents in the docket are listed 
on the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the 
index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., CBI or other 
information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other 
material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet 
and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly 
available docket materials are available electronically through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 
426-4791 or Glynda Smith, Technical Support Center, Standards and Risk 
Management Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MS 
140), Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King 
Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268; telephone number: (513) 569-7652; email 
address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

 I. General Information

A. Does this action apply to me?

    Public water systems are the regulated entities required to measure 
contaminants in drinking water samples. In addition, EPA Regions as 
well as states and tribal governments with authority to administer the 
regulatory program for public water systems under the Safe Drinking 
Water Act (SDWA) may measure contaminants in water samples. When EPA 
sets a monitoring requirement in its national primary drinking water 
regulations for a given contaminant, the Agency also establishes in the 
regulations standardized test procedures for analysis of the 
contaminant. This action makes alternative testing methods available 
for particular drinking water contaminants beyond the testing methods 
currently established in the regulations. EPA is providing public water 
systems required to test water samples with a choice of using either a 
test procedure already established in the existing regulations or an 
alternative test procedure that has been approved in this action or in 
prior expedited approval actions. Categories and entities that may 
ultimately be affected by this action include:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Examples of
              Category                    potentially        NAICS \1\
                                      regulated entities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
State, local, & tribal governments..  State, local and            924110
                                       tribal
                                       governments that
                                       analyze water
                                       samples on behalf
                                       of public water
                                       systems required
                                       to conduct such
                                       analysis; state,
                                       local and tribal
                                       governments that
                                       directly operate
                                       community and non-
                                       transient non-
                                       community water
                                       systems required
                                       to monitor.
Industry............................  Private operators           221310
                                       of community and
                                       non-transient non-
                                       community water
                                       systems required
                                       to monitor.
Municipalities......................  Municipal                   924110
                                       operators of
                                       community and non-
                                       transient non-
                                       community water
                                       systems required
                                       to monitor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ North American Industry Classification System.

    This table is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides a 
guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this 
action. This table lists the types of entities that EPA is now aware 
could potentially be affected by this action. Other types of entities 
not listed in the table could also be impacted. To determine whether 
your facility is affected by this action, you should carefully examine 
the applicability language in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 
40 CFR 141.2 (definition of public water system). If you have questions 
regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, 
consult the person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section.

Abbreviations and Acronyms Used in This Action

APHA: American Public Health Association
ATP: Alternate Test Procedure
CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
DPD: N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine
EPA: United States Environmental Protection Agency
LED: Light Emitting Diode
NAICS: North American Industry Classification System
NEMI: National Environmental Methods Index
NTU: Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
QC: Quality Control
SDWA: The Safe Drinking Water Act
TOC: Total Organic Carbon
VCSB: Voluntary Consensus Standard Bodies

II. Background

A. What is the purpose of this action?

    In this action, EPA is approving 16 analytical methods for 
determining contaminant concentrations in drinking water samples 
collected under SDWA. Regulated parties required to sample and monitor 
may use either the testing methods already established in existing 
regulations or the alternative testing methods being approved in this 
action or in prior expedited approval actions. The new methods are 
listed along with other methods similarly approved through previous 
expedited actions in 40 CFR part 141, appendix A to subpart C and on 
EPA's drinking water methods Web site at https://www.epa.gov/dwanalyticalmethods.

[[Page 46840]]

B. What is the basis for this action?

    When EPA determines that an alternative analytical method is 
``equally effective'' (i.e., as effective as a method that has already 
been promulgated in the regulations), SDWA allows EPA to approve the 
use of the alternative method through publication in the Federal 
Register (see Section 1401(1) of SDWA). EPA is using this streamlined 
approval authority to make 16 additional methods available for 
determining contaminant concentrations in drinking water samples 
collected under SDWA. EPA has determined that, for each contaminant or 
group of contaminants listed in Section III, the additional testing 
methods being approved in this action are as effective as one or more 
of the testing methods already approved in the regulations for those 
contaminants. Section 1401(1) of SDWA states that the newly approved 
methods ``shall be treated as an alternative for public water systems 
to the quality control and testing procedures listed in the 
regulation.'' Accordingly, this action makes these additional 16 
analytical methods legally available as options for meeting EPA's 
monitoring requirements.
    This action does not add regulatory language, but does, for 
informational purposes, update an appendix to the regulations at 40 CFR 
part 141 that lists all methods approved under Section 1401(1) of SDWA. 
Accordingly, while this action is not a rule, it is updating CFR text 
and therefore is being published in the ``Final Rules'' section of the 
Federal Register.

III. Summary of Approvals

    EPA is approving 16 methods that are equally effective relative to 
methods previously promulgated in the regulations. By means of this 
rule, these 16 methods are added to appendix A to subpart C of 40 CFR 
part 141.

A. Methods developed by Voluntary Consensus Standard Bodies (VCSB)

    ASTM International. EPA compared the most recent versions of seven 
ASTM International methods to the earlier versions of those methods 
that are currently approved in 40 CFR part 141. Changes between the 
earlier approved version and the most recent version of each method are 
summarized in Smith (2015). The revisions primarily involve editorial 
changes (e.g., updated references, definitions, terminology, procedural 
clarifications, and reorganization of text). The revised methods are 
the same as the approved versions with respect to sample collection and 
handling protocols, sample preparation, analytical methodology, and 
method performance data; thus, EPA finds they are equally effective 
relative to the approved methods.
    EPA is thus approving the use of the following ASTM methods for the 
contaminants and their respective regulations listed in the following 
table:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         ASTM revised version              Approved method            Contaminant               Regulation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D 1253-14 (ASTM 2014a)...............  D 1253-03 (ASTM 2003a).  Free Chlorine; Total     40 CFR 141.74(a)(2); 40
                                                                 Chlorine.                CFR 141.131(c)(1).
D 1253-14 (ASTM 2014a)...............  D 1253-03 (ASTM 2003a).  Combined Chlorine......  40 CFR 141.131(c)(1).
D 1125-14 A (ASTM 2014b).............  D 1125-95 A (ASTM 1995)  Conductivity...........  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
D 511-14 A (ASTM 2014c)..............  D 511-03 A (ASTM 2003b)  Calcium; Magnesium.....  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
D 511-14 B (ASTM 2014c)..............  D 511-03 B (ASTM 2003b)  Calcium; Magnesium.....  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
D 1688-12 A (ASTM 2012a).............  D 1688-02 A (ASTM        Copper.................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                        2002a).
D 1688-12 C (ASTM 2012a).............  D 1688-02 C (ASTM        Copper.................  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
                                        2002a).
D 3697-12 (ASTM 2012b)...............  D 3697-02 (ASTM 2002b).  Antimony...............  40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The ASTM methods are available from ASTM International, 100 Barr 
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 or http://www.astm.org.

B. Methods Developed by Vendors

    1. Hach Method 10241--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Free 
Chlorine (Cl2) in Finished Drinking Water (Hach Company 
2015a). In Hach Method 10241, free chlorine is converted to 
monochloramine by addition of an ammonia solution to a drinking water 
sample. In the presence of a cyanoferrate catalyst, monochloramine 
reacts with a substituted phenol to form an intermediate monoamine 
compound. The intermediate monoamine compound couples with excess 
substituted phenol to form a green indophenol compound. 
Spectrophotometric measurement of absorbance at 655 nm (610 nm for 
colorimeters) is directly proportional to the concentration of free 
chlorine in the sample.
    The currently approved methods for free chlorine in drinking water 
are listed in the tables at 40 CFR 141.74(a)(2) and 40 CFR 
141.131(c)(1). One of the most widely used approved methods is Standard 
Method 4500-Cl G-00 (APHA 2000a), which uses a N,N-diethyl-p-
phenylenediamine (DPD) indicator for spectrophotometric determination 
of residual chlorine concentrations in drinking water. The DPD 
methodology can be subject to interferences associated with the 
presence of manganese, chloramines, and other oxidants. Hach Method 
10241 is not subject to such interferences.
    A multi-laboratory study compared the performance characteristics 
of Hach Method 10241 to the performance characteristics of the approved 
Standard Method 4500-Cl G-00. A variety of samples, including drinking 
water samples from both surface water and ground water sources, were 
fortified with known chlorine concentrations and analyzed by each 
method. The results are summarized in the validation study report (Hach 
Company 2015b). EPA has determined that Hach Method 10241 is equally as 
effective as the approved Standard Method 4500-Cl G-00. The basis for 
this determination is discussed in Adams and Smith (2016). Therefore, 
EPA is approving Hach Method 10241 for determining free chlorine 
concentrations in drinking water. Hach Method 10241 can be obtained 
from Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. 
(http://www.hach.com.)
    2. Hach Method 8026--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Copper in 
Finished Drinking Water (Hach Company 2015c). In Hach Method 8026, 
cuprous copper is measured colorimetrically by complexation with 
bicinchoninic acid. The intensity in color is proportional to the 
copper concentration, and spectrophotometer measurements are taken at 
560 nm. Cupric copper present in samples is chemically reduced to 
cuprous copper. Metal and hardness interferences in samples are 
mitigated through the use of a chelating agent. The method is performed 
by the addition of

[[Page 46841]]

powder pillows containing reagents to the water samples.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of copper in 
drinking water are listed in the table at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1). The 
approved methods are based on atomic spectroscopy technologies. Hach 
Method 8026 employs a spectrophotometer, and is based on known 
complexation principles and simple color/absorbance measurements to 
determine copper concentrations.
    A multi-laboratory validation study was conducted to compare the 
performance of Hach Method 8026 to EPA Method 200.7 (USEPA 1994), one 
of the approved methods for the analysis of copper in drinking water. 
Multiple finished drinking water samples drawn from both ground water 
and surface water sources were used in the validation study. Precision, 
accuracy and sensitivity data were collected by analyzing drinking 
water samples fortified with varying concentrations of copper 
standards. The results are summarized in the validation study report 
(Hach Company 2015d). EPA has determined that Hach Method 8026 is 
equally as effective as the approved EPA Method 200.7. The basis for 
this determination is discussed in Adams and Smith (2016). Therefore, 
EPA is approving Hach Method 8026 for the analysis of copper in 
drinking water. Hach Method 8026 can be obtained from Hach Company, 
5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (http://www.hach.com).
    3. Hach Method 10261--Total Organic Carbon in Finished Drinking 
Water by Catalyzed Ozone Hydroxyl Radical Oxidation Infrared Analysis 
(Hach Company 2015e). Hach Method 10261 is a method for the 
determination of total organic carbon (TOC) in drinking water using an 
advanced oxidation process and non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy. In 
this method, ozone and a base are added to water to produce hydroxyl 
radicals. The hydroxyl radicals oxidize organic carbon to produce 
carbon dioxide and sodium oxalate. The sodium oxalate is further 
oxidized to carbon dioxide using acidification and a manganese 
catalyst. The carbon dioxide produced by both oxidation processes is 
then measured using non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of TOC in drinking 
water are listed in 40 CFR 141.131(d)(3). The approved oxidation 
method, Standard Method 5310 C-00 (APHA 2000b), may not completely 
oxidize certain organic compounds. Hach Method 10261 uses a more 
efficient advanced oxidation process to ensure more complete oxidation.
    A multi-laboratory validation study was conducted to compare the 
performance of Hach Method 10261 to the approved Standard Method 5310 
C-00. Multiple finished drinking water samples drawn from both ground 
water and surface water sources were used in the validation study. 
Precision, accuracy and sensitivity data were collected by analyzing 
drinking water samples fortified with varying concentrations of TOC. 
The results are summarized in the validation study report (Hach Company 
2015f). EPA has determined that Hach Method 10261 is equally as 
effective as the approved Standard Method 5310 C-00. The basis for this 
determination is discussed in Adams and Smith (2016). Therefore, EPA is 
approving Hach Method 10261 for the analysis of TOC in drinking water. 
Hach Method 10261 can be obtained from Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh 
Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (http://www.hach.com).
    4. Hach Method 10267--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Total 
Organic Carbon (TOC) in Finished Drinking Water (Hach Company 2015g). 
Hach Method 10267 is used for the determination of TOC in drinking 
water using acid persulfate digestion and visible spectrum 
spectrophotometry. In this method, samples are oxidized using acid 
persulfate digestions to convert TOC into carbon dioxide. The generated 
carbon dioxide is passed through a gas-permeable membrane into an 
indicator solution that is measured spectrophotometrically at 435 nm. 
Hach Method 10267 uses pre-packaged reagents to simplify sample 
preparation and quickly perform the analysis. Interfering inorganic 
carbon is removed from the sample prior to digestion by acidification 
and agitation.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of TOC in drinking 
water are listed in 40 CFR 141.131(d)(3). A multi-laboratory validation 
study was conducted to compare the performance of Hach Method 10267 to 
the approved Standard Method 5310 C-00 (APHA 200b). Multiple finished 
drinking water samples drawn from both ground water and surface water 
sources were used in the validation study. Precision, accuracy and 
sensitivity data were collected by analyzing drinking water samples 
fortified with varying concentrations of TOC. The results are 
summarized in the validation study report (Hach Company 2015h). EPA has 
determined that Hach Method 10267 is equally as effective as the 
approved Standard Method 5310 C-00. The basis for this determination is 
discussed in Adams and Smith (2016). Therefore, EPA is approving Hach 
Method 10267 for the analysis of TOC in drinking water. Hach Method 
10267 can be obtained from Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, 
Loveland, Colorado 80539. (http://www.hach.com).
    5. Hach Method 10272--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Copper in 
Finished Drinking Water (Hach Company 2015i). In Hach Method 10272, 
cuprous copper is measured colorimetrically by complexation with 
bicinchoninic acid. The intensity in color is proportional to the 
copper concentration, and spectrophotometer measurements are taken at 
560 nm. Cupric copper present in samples is chemically reduced to 
cuprous copper. Metal and hardness interferences in samples are 
mitigated through the use of a chelating agent. The method is performed 
through the use of a copper Chemkey and portable analyzer.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of copper in 
drinking water are listed in the table at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1). The 
approved methods are based on atomic spectroscopy technologies. Hach 
Method 10272 uses a spectrophotometer, simple color/absorbance 
measurements to determine copper concentrations, and incorporates 
portability and streamlining into the analysis.
    A multi-laboratory validation study was conducted to compare the 
performance of Hach Method 10272 to EPA Method 200.7 (USEPA 1994), one 
of the approved methods for the analysis of copper in drinking water. 
Multiple finished drinking water samples drawn from both ground water 
and surface water sources were used in the validation study. Precision, 
accuracy and sensitivity data were collected by analyzing drinking 
water samples fortified with varying concentrations of copper 
standards. The results are summarized in the validation study report 
(Hach Company 2015j). EPA has determined that Hach Method 10272 is 
equally as effective as the approved EPA Method 200.7. The basis for 
this determination is discussed in Adams and Smith (2016). Therefore, 
EPA is approving Hach Method 10272 for the analysis of copper in 
drinking water. Hach Method 10272 can be obtained from Hach Company, 
5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (http://www.hach.com).
    6. Hach Method 10258--Determination of Turbidity by 360[deg] 
Nephelometry (Hach Company 2016). In Hach Method 10258 turbidity is 
determined in conventional-filtered and membrane-filtered treated 
drinking water using a 360 degree nephelometer.

[[Page 46842]]

In this method, a non-incandescent light source operates at a 
wavelength of 660 + 30 nm and light scattered by the sample is 
collected and detected at an angle 90 degrees to the incident light, 
360 degrees around the sample vial. This design offers improved 
sensitivity (minimum quantitation limit of 0.0005 Nephelometric 
Turbidity Units (NTU) and resolution (0.0001 NTU) relative to the 
approved methods.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of turbidity in 
treated drinking water are listed in the regulations at 40 CFR 
141.74(a)(1). A multi-facility validation study was conducted to 
compare the performance of Hach Method 10258 to the approved Hach 
FilterTrak Method 10133 (Hach Company 2000) for the analysis of 
turbidity in treated drinking water. Seven public drinking water 
facilities participated in the study. Three facilities produced treated 
water using both conventional-filtration and membrane-filtration, two 
facilities produced only conventional-filtration treated water, and two 
facilities produced only membrane-filtration treated water. Source 
waters encompassed both surface waters and ground waters under the 
direct influence of surface water. Turbidity comparison data were 
collected at each facility by operating the instrument collecting the 
Hach Method 10258 turbidity data in parallel with an instrument 
collecting turbidity data using the approved Hach FilterTrack Method 
10133. Precision and accuracy (based on recovery of matrix spike 
injections) data were collected over a range of spike levels (0.0015-
0.500 NTU) and calibration verification data were collected from each 
facility. The results are summarized in the validation study report 
(Hach Company 2014). EPA has determined that Hach Method 10258 is 
equally as effective as the approved Hach FilterTrak Method 10133. The 
basis for this determination is discussed in Adams and Smith (2016). 
Therefore, EPA is approving Hach Method 10258 for the analysis of 
turbidity in treated drinking water. Hach Method 10258 can be obtained 
from Hach Company, 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. 
(http://www.hach.com).
    7. Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi)--Method for Nitrate 
Reductase Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis of Drinking Water (NECi 2016a). The 
NECi nitrate reductase method is used for the determination of nitrate 
plus nitrite (as nitrogen) in drinking water. In this method, a 
eukaryotic nitrate reductase is used to catalyze the conversion of 
nitrate to nitrite in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 
as a reductant in a buffer with a near neutral pH. The combined nitrite 
(both the original and reduced nitrate) is reacted with sulfanilamide 
and N-(1-napthyl) ethylenediamine dihydrochloride to produce a 
chromophore. The combined nitrite concentration is then measured 
spectrophotometrically at ~540 nm. The method entails the use of a 
discrete analyzer that incorporates a spectrophotometric detector.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of nitrate and 
nitrite in drinking water are listed in 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1). The 
approved EPA Method 353.2 (USEPA 1993a) uses cadmium to reduce nitrate 
to nitrite and subsequently measures the combined nitrite 
colorimetrically. The NECi nitrate reductase method provides an 
environmentally friendly approach to nitrate-nitrogen analysis by 
eliminating the use of toxic cadmium and requires only a fraction of 
the sample volume used in the approved EPA method.
    A multi-laboratory validation study was conducted to compare the 
performance of the NECi nitrate reductase method to the approved EPA 
Method 353.2. Multiple finished drinking water samples drawn from both 
ground water and surface water sources were used in the validation 
study. Precision, accuracy and sensitivity data were collected by 
analyzing drinking water samples fortified with varying concentrations 
of nitrate standards. The results are summarized in the validation 
study report (NECi 2016b). EPA has determined that the NECi nitrate 
reductase method is equally as effective as the approved EPA Method 
353.2. The basis for this determination is discussed in Adams and 
Wendelken (2016). Therefore, EPA is approving the NECi nitrate 
reductase method for the analysis of nitrate and nitrite in drinking 
water. The NECi nitrate reductase method can be obtained from the 
Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi) at Superior Enzymes, Inc., 334 
Hecla St., Lake Linden, Michigan 49945.
    8. Thermo Fisher Scientific Drinking Water Orthophosphate Method 
for Thermo Scientific Gallery Discrete Analyzer (Thermo Fisher 2016a). 
The Thermo Fisher orthophosphate drinking water method employing Thermo 
Scientific Gallery discrete analyzers is used for the colorimetric 
determination of orthophosphate in drinking water. In this method, 
orthophosphate is reacted with ammonium molybdate and antimony 
potassium tartrate in an acidic medium to form an antimony-phospho-
molybdate complex. The complex is subsequently reduced by ascorbic acid 
to form an intensely blue complex that can be measured 
spectrophotometrically at 880 nm.
    The currently approved methods for the analysis of orthophosphate 
in drinking water are listed in 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1). Standard Methods 
4500-P E (APHA, 1995) is an approved method that uses ascorbic acid to 
reduce reacted orthophosphate into a complex that can be measured 
spectrophotometrically. The Thermo Fisher orthophosphate method 
incorporates an automated discrete analyzer, which minimizes the use of 
chemical reagents, generation of waste and human handling errors.
    A validation study was conducted to compare the performance of the 
automated Thermo Fisher orthophosphate discrete analyzer method to the 
approved Standard Method 4500-P E. Multiple finished drinking water 
samples drawn from both ground water and surface water sources were 
used in the validation study. Precision, accuracy and sensitivity data 
were collected by analyzing drinking water samples fortified with 
varying concentrations of orthophosphate standards. The results are 
summarized in the validation study report (Thermo Fisher 2016b). EPA 
has determined that the Thermo Fisher discrete analyzer method for 
orthophosphate is equally as effective as the approved Standard Method 
4500-P E. Therefore, EPA is approving the Thermo Fisher method for the 
analysis of orthophosphate in treated drinking water. The basis for 
this determination is discussed in Adams (2016). The Thermo Fisher 
discrete analyzer method for orthophosphate can be obtained from Thermo 
Fisher Scientific, Ratastie 2, 01620 Vantaa, Finland.
    9. Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.2--Determination of Turbidity 
by LED or Laser Nephelometry (Mitchell 2016). Mitchell Method M5331, 
Revision 1.1 (Mitchell 2009) was approved for the determination of 
turbidity in drinking water by light emitting diode (LED) nephelometry 
in the August 2009 expedited methods approval action (USEPA 2009). The 
currently approved methods for turbidity are listed in 40 CFR 
141.74(a)(1) and different sources, including lasers, have been 
approved. The Mitchell Method M5331 has been updated to incorporate the 
option of using a solid-state laser in place of a LED as the light 
source for the turbidimeter. The vendor cites multiple advantages 
associated with the use of lasers relative to LEDs (Mitchell 2015). 
Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.1 specifies a light source of 525 
 15 nm, and now lasers at 520 nm and 532 nm are readily 
available. In addition to

[[Page 46843]]

meeting the specified wavelength range, solid-state lasers can offer 
longer source lifetimes, greater stability, and improved stray light 
rejection. The updated method is the same as the approved Mitchell 
Method M5331, Revision 1.1 relative to the divergence of the light 
source measurement area, the detector, and all other instrumental 
features. EPA has determined that the updated method is equally as 
effective as the promulgated EPA Method 180.1 (USEPA 1993b), which 
established the criteria for nephelometric determination of turbidity. 
The basis for this determination is discussed in Wendelken and Smith 
(2016). Therefore, EPA is approving Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.2 
for the determination of turbidity in drinking water. Mitchell Method 
M5331, Revision 1.2 can be obtained from Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 
Independence Valley Drive, Grand Junction, Colorado 81507.

 IV. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    As noted in Section II, under the terms of SDWA Section 1401(1), 
this streamlined method approval action is not a rule. Accordingly, the 
Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, does not apply 
because this action is not a rule for purposes of 5 U.S.C. 804(3). 
Similarly, this action is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
because it is not subject to notice and comment requirements under the 
Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute. In addition, because 
this approval action is not a rule but simply makes alternative testing 
methods available as options for monitoring under SDWA, EPA has 
concluded that other statutes and executive orders generally applicable 
to rulemaking do not apply to this approval action.

V. References

Adams. 2016. Memo to the record describing basis for expedited 
approval of Thermo Fisher discrete analyzer method for 
orthophosphate. February 18, 2016.
Adams and Smith. 2016. Memo to the record describing basis for 
expedited approval of Hach Company methods. February 29, 2016.
Adams and Wendelken. 2016. Memo to the record describing basis for 
expedited approval of Nitrate Elimination Company Inc. (NECi) 
nitrate reductase method. February 9, 2016.
American Public Health Association (APHA). 1995. 19th Edition of 
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 
American Public Health Association, 800 I Street NW., Washington, DC 
20001-3710.
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2000a. Standard Method 
4500-Cl G-00, Chlorine (Residual)--DPD Colorimetric Method. Approved 
by Standard Methods Committee 2000. Standard Methods Online 
(Available at http://www.standardmethods.org).
American Public Health Association (APHA). 2000b. Standard Method 
5310 C-00, Total Organic Carbon (TOC)--Persulfate-Ultraviolet or 
Heated Persulfate Oxidation Method. Approved by Standard Methods 
Committee 2000. Standard Methods Online (Available at http://www.standardmethods.org).
ASTM International. 1995. ASTM D 1125-95 A. Standard Test Methods 
for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water. ASTM 
International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-
2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2002a. ASTM D 1688-02 A, C. Standard Test 
Methods for Copper in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor 
Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2002b. ASTM D 3697-02. Standard Test Method for 
Antimony in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West 
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2003a. ASTM D 1253-03. Standard Test Method for 
Residual Chlorine in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor 
Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2003b. ASTM D 511-03 A, B. Standard Test Methods 
for Calcium and Magnesium in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr 
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2012a. ASTM D 1688-12 A, C. Standard Test 
Methods for Copper in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor 
Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2012b. ASTM D 3697-12. Standard Test Method for 
Antimony in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West 
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2014a. ASTM D 1253-14. Standard Test Method for 
Residual Chlorine in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor 
Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2014b. ASTM D 1125-14 A. Standard Test Methods 
for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water. ASTM 
International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-
2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
ASTM International. 2014c. ASTM D 511-14 A, B. Standard Test Methods 
for Calcium and Magnesium in Water. ASTM International, 100 Barr 
Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (Available at http://www.astm.org.)
Hach Company. 2000. Hach FilterTrak Method 10133--Determination of 
Turbidity by Laser Nephelometry. January 2000. Revision 2.0. 5600 
Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2014. Validation Study Report for Hach Method 10258--
Measurement of Turbidity in Drinking Water by 360 Degree 
Nephelometry. December 2014. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, 
Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID 
No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Hach Company. 2015a. Hach Method 10241--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Free Chlorine (Cl2) in Finished Drinking 
Water. November 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, 
Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2015b. Validation Study Report for Hach Method 10241--
Spectrophotometric Measurement of Free Chlorine in Drinking Water. 
November 2015. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. 
(Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-
2016-0281.)
Hach Company. 2015c. Hach Method 8026--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Copper in Finished Drinking Water. December 2015. 
Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. 
(Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2015d. Validation Study Report for Hach Method 8026--
Spectrophotometric Measurement of Copper in Drinking Water. November 
2015. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at 
http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Hach Company. 2015e. Hach Method 10261--Total Organic Carbon in 
Finished Drinking Water by Catalyzed Ozone Hydroxyl Radical 
Oxidation Infrared Analysis. December 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 
Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2015f. Validation Study Report for Hach Method 10261--
Total Organic Carbon in Finished Drinking Water by Catalyzed Ozone 
Hydroxyl Radical Oxidation Infrared Analysis. December 2015. 5600 
Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Hach Company. 2015g. Hach Method 10267--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Finished Drinking 
Water. December 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, 
Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2015h. Validation Study Report for Hach Method 10267--
Spectrophotometric Measurement of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in 
Finished Drinking Water. December 2015. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, 
Loveland, Colorado

[[Page 46844]]

80539. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-
HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Hach Company. 2015i. Hach Method 10272--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Copper in Finished Drinking Water. December 2015. 
Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. 
(Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Hach Company. 2015j. Validation Study Report for Hach Method 10272--
Spectrophotometric Measurement of Copper in Finished Drinking Water. 
December 2015. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, Colorado 80539. 
(Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-
2016-0281.)
Hach Company. 2016. Hach Method 10258--Determination of Turbidity by 
360[deg] Nephelometry. January 2016. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, Loveland, 
Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
Mitchell, L. and Mitchell, P. 2009. Mitchell Method M5331--
Determination of Turbidity by LED Nephelometry. March 2009. Revision 
1.1. Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 Independence Valley Drive, Grand 
Junction, CO 81507. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket 
ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Mitchell, L. 2015. Mitchell ATP Submission with Justification for 
Revision to Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.1. September 2015. 
Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 Independence Valley Drive, Grand 
Junction, CO 81507. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket 
ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Mitchell, L. and Mitchell, P. 2016. Mitchell Method M5331--
Determination of Turbidity by LED or Laser Nephelometry. February 
2016. Revision 1.2. Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 Independence 
Valley Drive, Grand Junction, CO 81507. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi). 2016a. Method for Nitrate 
Reductase Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis of Drinking Water. February 
2016. Version 1.0. Revision 2.0. Superior Enzymes, Inc., 334 Hecla 
Street, Lake Linden, Michigan 49945. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi). 2016b. Validation Study 
Report for NECi Nitrate-Reductase Nitrate plus Nitrite Nitrogen 
Method. January 2016. Superior Enzymes, Inc., 334 Hecla Street, Lake 
Linden, Michigan 49945. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; 
docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Smith, G. 2015. Memo to the record describing basis for expedited 
approval of updated methods from ASTM International. December 30, 
2015.
Thermo Fisher. 2016a. Thermo Fisher Scientific Drinking Water 
Orthophosphate Method for Thermo Scientific Gallery Discrete 
Analyzer. February 2016. Revision 5. Thermo Fisher Scientific, 
Ratastie 2, 01620 Vantaa, Finland. (Available at http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
Thermo Fisher. 2016b. Validation Study Report for Thermo Fisher 
Orthophosphate Discrete Analyzer Method. February 2016. Thermo 
Fisher Scientific, Ratastie 2, 01620 Vantaa, Finland. (Available at 
http://www.regulations.gov; docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2016-0281.)
USEPA. 1993a. EPA Method 353.2. Revision 2.0, ``Determination of 
Nitrate-Nitrite Nitrogen by Automated Colorimetry,'' August 1993. 
(Available at https://www.nemi.gov.)
USEPA. 1993b. EPA Method 180.1. Revision 2.0, ``Determination of 
Turbidity by Nephelometry,'' August 1993. (Available at https://www.nemi.gov.)
USEPA. 1994. EPA Method 200.7. Revision 4.4, ``Determination of 
Metals and Trace Elements in Water and Wastes by Inductively Coupled 
Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry,'' May 1994. (Available at 
https://www.nemi.gov.)
USEPA. 2009. Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for 
the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; 
Analysis and Sampling Procedures, 74 FR 38348, August 3, 2009.
Wendelken and Smith. 2016. Memo to record describing basis for 
expedited approval of Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.2. February 
24, 2016.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 141

    Environmental protection, Chemicals, Indians-lands, 
Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Water supply.

    Dated: July 7, 2016.
Peter Grevatt,
Director, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, 40 CFR part 141 is amended 
as follows:

PART 141--NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 141 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 300f, 300g-1, 300g-2, 300g-3, 300g-4, 
300g-5, 300g-6, 300j-4, 300j-9, and 300j-11.

0
2. Appendix A to subpart c of part 141 is amended as follows:
0
a. By revising entries for ``Antimony,'' ``Calcium,'' ``Copper,'' 
``Conductivity,'' ``Magnesium,'' ``Nitrate,'' ``Nitrite,'' and 
``Orthophosphate,'' in the table entitled ``ALTERNATIVE TESTING METHODS 
FOR CONTAMINANTS LISTED AT 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1).''
0
b. By revising the entry for ``Turbidity'' in the table entitled 
``ALTERNATIVE TESTING METHODS FOR CONTAMINANTS LISTED AT 40 CFR 
141.74(a)(1).''
0
c. By revising entries for ``Free Chlorine'' and ``Total Chlorine'' in 
the table entitled ``ALTERNATIVE TESTING METHODS FOR DISINFECTANT 
RESIDUALS LISTED AT 40 CFR 141.74(a)(2).''
0
d. By revising the entries for ``Free Chlorine'', ``Combined 
Chlorine,'' and ``Total Chlorine'' in the table entitled ``ALTERNATIVE 
TESTING METHODS FOR DISINFECTANT RESIDUALS LISTED AT 40 CFR 
141.131(c)(1).''
0
e. By revising the entire table entitled ``ALTERNATIVE TESTING METHODS 
FOR PARAMETERS LISTED AT 40 CFR 141.131(d).''
0
f. By revising footnotes 2, 9, 14, 16, 18, 19, 24-27, 29, and 33.
0
g. By adding footnotes 34-42 to the table.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:

Appendix A to Subpart C of Part 141--Alternative Testing Methods 
Approved for Analyses Under the Safe Drinking Water Act

* * * * *

                                       Alternative Testing Methods for Contaminants Listed at 40 CFR 141.23(k)(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  SM 21st Edition   SM 22nd Edition
        Contaminant             Methodology       EPA method            \1\              \28\          SM Online \3\       ASTM \4\           Other
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Antimony...................  Hydride-Atomic    ................  ................  ................  ................  D 3697-07, -12..  ...............
                              Absorption.
                             Atomic            ................  3113 B..........  3113 B..........  3113 B-04, B-10.  ................  ...............
                              Absorption;
                              Furnace.

[[Page 46845]]

 
                             Axially viewed    200.5, Revision   ................  ................  ................  ................  ...............
                              inductively       4.2.\2\.
                              coupled plasma-
                              atomic emission
                              spectrometry
                              (AVICP-AES).
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Calcium....................  EDTA Titrimetric  ................  3500-Ca B.......  3500-Ca B.......  ................  D 511-09, -14 A.  ...............
                             Atomic            ................  3111 B..........  3111 B..........  ................  D 511-90, -14 B.  ...............
                              Absorption;
                              Direct
                              Aspiration.
                             Inductively       ................  3120 B..........  3120 B..........  ................  ................  ...............
                              Coupled Plasma.
                             Axially viewed    200.5, Revision   ................  ................  ................  ................  ...............
                              inductively       4.2.\2\.
                              coupled plasma-
                              atomic emission
                              spectrometry
                              (AVICP-AES).
                             Ion               ................  ................  ................  ................  D 6919-09.......  ...............
                              Chromatography.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Copper.....................  Atomic            ................  3113 B..........  3113 B..........  3113 B-04, B-10.  D 1688-07, -12 C  ...............
                              Absorption;
                              Furnace.
                             Atomic            ................  3111 B..........  3111 B..........  ................  D 1688-07, -12 A  ...............
                              Absorption;
                              Direct
                              Aspiration.
                             Inductively       ................  3120 B..........  3120 B..........  ................  ................  ...............
                              Coupled Plasma.
                             Axially viewed    200.5, Revision   ................  ................  ................  ................  ...............
                              inductively       4.2.\2\.
                              coupled plasma-
                              atomic emission
                              spectrometry
                              (AVICP-AES).
                             Colorimetric....  ................  ................  ................  ................  ................  Hach Method
                                                                                                                                          8026 \35\ Hach
                                                                                                                                          Method
                                                                                                                                          10272.\36\
Conductivity...............  Conductance.....  ................  2510 B..........  2510 B..........  ................  D 1125-14 A.....  ...............
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Magnesium..................  Atomic            ................  3111 B..........  3111 B..........  ................  D 511-09, -14 B.  ...............
                              Absorption.
                             Inductively       ................  3120 B..........  3120 B..........  ................  ................  ...............
                              Coupled Plasma.
                             Complexation      ................  3500-Mg B.......  3500-Mg B.......  ................  D 511-09, -14 A.  ...............
                              Titrimetric
                              Methods.
                             Axially viewed    200.5, Revision   ................  ................  ................  ................  ...............
                              inductively       4.2.\2\.
                              coupled plasma-
                              atomic emission
                              spectrometry
                              (AVICP-AES).
                             Ion               ................  ................  ................  ................  D 6919-09.......  ...............
                              Chromatography.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Nitrate....................  Ion               ................  4110 B..........  4110 B..........  ................  D 4327-11.......  ...............
                              Chromatography.
                             Automated         ................  4500-NO3\-\ F...  4500-NO3\-\ F...  ................  ................  ...............
                              Cadmium
                              Reduction.
                             Manual Cadmium    ................  4500-NO3\-\ E...  4500-NO3\-\ E...  ................  ................  ...............
                              Reduction.
                             Ion Selective     ................  4500-NO3\-\ D...  4500-NO3\-\ D...  ................  ................  ...............
                              Electrode.
                             Reduction/        ................  ................  ................  ................  ................  Systea Easy (1-
                              Colorimetric.                                                                                               Reagent) \8\
                                                                                                                                          NECi Nitrate-
                                                                                                                                          Reductase.\40\
                             Colorimetric;     ................  ................  ................  ................  ................  Hach TNTplus TM
                              Direct.                                                                                                     835/836 Method
                                                                                                                                          10206.\23\
Nitrite....................  Ion               ................  4110 B..........  4110 B..........  ................  D 4327-11.......  ...............
                              Chromatography.
                             Automated         ................  4500-NO3\-\ F...  4500-NO3\-\ F...  ................  ................  ...............
                              Cadmium
                              Reduction.
                             Manual Cadmium    ................  4500-NO3\-\ E...  4500-NO3\-\ E...  ................  ................  ...............
                              Reduction.
                             Spectrophotometr  ................  4500-NO2\-\ B...  4500-NO2\-\ B...  ................  ................  ...............
                              ic.
                             Reduction/        ................  ................  ................  ................  ................  Systea Easy (1-
                              Colorimetric.                                                                                               Reagent) \8\
                                                                                                                                          NECi Nitrate-
                                                                                                                                          Reductase.\40\
Orthophosphate.............  Ion               ................  4110 B..........  4110 B..........  ................  D 4327-11.......  ...............
                              Chromatography.
                             Colorimetric,     ................  4500-P E........  4500-P E........  4500-P E-99.....  ................  ...............
                              ascorbic acid,
                              single reagent.
                             Colorimetric,     ................  4500-P F........  4500-P F........  4500-P F-99.....  ................  Thermo-Fisher
                              Automated,                                                                                                  Discrete
                              Ascorbic Acid.                                                                                              Analyzer.\41\
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

[[Page 46846]]



                                       Alternative Testing Methods for Contaminants Listed at 40 CFR 141.74(a)(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Organism                Methodology         SM 21st Edition \1\        SM 22nd Edition \28\            SM Online \3\              Other
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Turbidity....................  Nephelometric       2130 B....................  2130 B....................
                                Method.
                               Laser Nephelometry  ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  Mitchell
                                (on-line).                                                                                              M5271,\10\
                                                                                                                                        Mitchell M5331,
                                                                                                                                        Rev. 1.2.\42\
                               LED Nephelometry    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  Mitchell
                                (on-line).                                                                                              M5331,\11\
                                                                                                                                        Mitchell M5331,
                                                                                                                                        Rev. 1.2.\42\
                               LED Nephelometry    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  AMI
                                (on-line).                                                                                              Turbiwell.\15\
                               LED Nephelometry    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  Orion AQ4500.\12\
                                (portable).
                               360[deg]            ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                Nephelometry.                                                                                           10258.\39\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Alternative Testing Methods for Disinfectant Residuals Listed at 40 CFR 141.74(a)(2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Residual                Methodology         SM 21st Edition \1\        SM 22nd Edition \28\              ASTM \4\                 Other
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine................  Amperometric        4500-Cl D.................  4500-Cl D.................  D 1253-08, -14............  .................
                                Titration.
                               DPD Ferrous         4500-Cl F.................  4500-Cl F.................  ..........................  .................
                                Titrimetric.
                               DPD Colorimetric..  4500-Cl G.................  4500-Cl G.................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                                                                                                                        10260.\31\
                               Syringaldazine      4500-Cl H.................  4500-Cl H.................  ..........................  .................
                                (FACTS).
                               On-line Chlorine    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  EPA 334.0.\16\
                                Analyzer.
                               Amperometric        ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  ChloroSense.\17\
                                Sensor.
                               Indophenol          ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                Colorimetric.                                                                                           10241.\34\
Total Chlorine...............  Amperometric        4500-Cl D.................  4500-Cl D.................  D 1253-08, -14............  .................
                                Titration.
                               Amperometric        4500-Cl E.................  4500-Cl E.................  ..........................  .................
                                Titration (Low
                                level
                                measurement).
                               DPD Ferrous         4500-Cl F.................  4500-Cl F.................  ..........................  .................
                                Titrimetric.
                               DPD Colorimetric..  4500-Cl G.................  4500-Cl G.................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                                                                                                                        10260.\31\
                               Iodometric          4500-Cl I.................  4500-Cl I.................  ..........................  .................
                                Electrode.
                               On-line Chlorine    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  EPA 334.0.\16\
                                Analyzer.
                               Amperometric        ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  ChloroSense.\17\
                                Sensor.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

                                  Alternative Testing Methods for Disinfectant Residuals Listed at 40 CFR 141.131(c)(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Residual                Methodology         SM 21st Edition \1\        SM 22nd Edition \28\              ASTM \4\                 Other
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free Chlorine................  Amperometric        4500-Cl D.................  4500-Cl D.................  D 1253-08, -14............  .................
                                Titration.
                               DPD Ferrous         4500-Cl F.................  4500-Cl F.................  ..........................  .................
                                Titrimetric.
                               DPD Colorimetric..  4500-Cl G.................  4500-Cl G.................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                                                                                                                        10260.\31\
                               Syringaldazine      4500-Cl H.................  4500-Cl H.................  ..........................  .................
                                (FACTS).
                               Amperometric        ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  ChloroSense.\17\
                                Sensor.
                               On-line Chlorine    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  EPA 334.0.\16\
                                Analyzer.
                               Indophenol          ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                Colorimetric.                                                                                           10241.\34\
Combined Chlorine............  Amperometric        4500-Cl D.................  4500-Cl D.................  D 1253-08, -14............  .................
                                Titration.
                               DPD Ferrous         4500-Cl F.................  4500-Cl F.................  ..........................  .................
                                Titrimetric.
                               DPD Colorimetric..  4500-Cl G.................  4500-Cl G.................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                                                                                                                        10260.\31\
Total Chlorine...............  Amperometric        4500-Cl D.................  4500-Cl D.................  D 1253-08, -14............  .................
                                Titration.
                               Low level           4500-Cl E.................  4500-Cl E.................  ..........................  .................
                                Amperometric
                                Titration.
                               DPD Ferrous         4500-Cl F.................  4500-Cl F.................  ..........................  .................
                                Titrimetric.
                               DPD Colorimetric..  4500-Cl G.................  4500-Cl G.................  ..........................  Hach Method
                                                                                                                                        10260.\31\
                               Iodometric          4500-Cl I.................  4500-Cl I.................  ..........................  .................
                                Electrode.
                               Amperometric        ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  ChloroSense.\17\
                                Sensor.
                               On-line Chlorine    ..........................  ..........................  ..........................  EPA 334.0.\16\
                                Analyzer.
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

[[Page 46847]]



                                         Alternative Testing Methods for Parameters Listed at 40 CFR 141.131(d)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   SM 21st Edition  SM 22nd Edition
           Parameter               Methodology           \1\              \28\        SM  Online \3\           EPA                      Other
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)....  High Temperature   5310 B.........  5310 B.........  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
                                 Combustion.
                                Persulfate-        5310 C.........  5310 C.........  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2 \19\..  Hach Method 10267.\38\
                                 Ultraviolet or
                                 Heated
                                 Persulfate
                                 Oxidation.
                                Wet Oxidation....  5310 D.........  5310 D.........  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
                                Ozone Oxidation..  ...............  ...............  ...............  .....................  Hach Method 10261.\37\
Specific Ultraviolet            Calculation using  ...............  ...............  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
 Absorbance (SUVA).              DOC and UV254
                                 data.
Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC)  High Temperature   5310 B.........  5310 B.........  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
                                 Combustion.
                                Persulfate-        5310 C.........  5310 C.........  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
                                 Ultraviolet or
                                 Heated
                                 Persulfate
                                 Oxidation.
                                Wet Oxidation....  5310 D.........  5310 D.........  ...............  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
Ultraviolet absorption at 254   Spectrophotometry  5910 B.........  5910 B.........  5910 B-11......  415.3, Rev 1.2.\19\..  ...........................
 nm (UV254).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    \1\ Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and 
Wastewater, 21st edition (2005). Available from American Public 
Health Association, 800 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001-3710.
    \2\ EPA Method 200.5, Revision 4.2. ``Determination of Trace 
Elements in Drinking Water by Axially Viewed Inductively Coupled 
Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry.'' 2003. EPA/600/R-06/115. 
(Available at http://www.epa.gov/water-research/epa-drinking-water-research-methods.)
    \3\ Standard Methods Online are available at http://www.standardmethods.org. The year in which each method was approved 
by the Standard Methods Committee is designated by the last two 
digits in the method number. The methods listed are the only online 
versions that may be used.
    \4\ Available from ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, 
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 or http://astm.org. The methods 
listed are the only alternative versions that may be used.
* * * * *
    \8\ Systea Easy (1-Reagent). ``Systea Easy (1-Reagent) Nitrate 
Method,'' February 4, 2009. Available at https://www.nemi.gov or 
from Systea Scientific, LLC., 900 Jorie Blvd., Suite 35, Oak Brook, 
IL 60523.
    \9\ EPA Method 524.3, Version 1.0. ``Measurement of Purgeable 
Organic Compounds in Water by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography/
Mass Spectrometry,'' June 2009. EPA 815-B-09-009. Available at the 
National Service Center for Environmental Publications (www.epa.gov/nscep). Search ``815B09009''.
    \10\ Mitchell Method M5271, Revision 1.1. ``Determination of 
Turbidity by Laser Nephelometry,'' March 5, 2009. Available at 
https://www.nemi.gov or from Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 
Independence Valley Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81507.
    \11\ Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.1. ``Determination of 
Turbidity by LED Nephelometry,'' March 5, 2009. Available at https://www.nemi.gov or from Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 Independence 
Valley Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81507.
    \12\ Orion Method AQ4500, Revision 1.0. ``Determination of 
Turbidity by LED Nephelometry,'' May 8, 2009. Available at https://www.nemi.gov or from Thermo Scientific, 166 Cummings Center, 
Beverly, MA 01915, http://www.thermo.com.
* * * * *
    \14\ EPA Method 557. ``Determination of Haloacetic Acids, 
Bromate, and Dalapon in Drinking Water by Ion Chromatography 
Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (IC-ESI-MS/MS),'' 
September 2009. EPA 815-B-09-012. Available at the National Service 
Center for Environmental Publications (www.epa.gov/nscep). Search 
``815B09012''.
    \15\ AMI Turbiwell, ``Continuous Measurement of Turbidity Using 
a SWAN AMI Turbiwell Turbidimeter,'' August 2009. Available at 
https://www.nemi.gov or from Markus Bernasconi, SWAN Analytische 
Instrumente AG, Studbachstrasse 13, CH-8340 Hinwil, Switzerland.
    \16\ EPA Method 334.0. ``Determination of Residual Chlorine in 
Drinking Water Using an On-line Chlorine Analyzer,'' September 2009. 
EPA 815-B-09-013. Available at the National Service Center for 
Environmental Publications (www.epa.gov/nscep). Search 
``815B09013''.
    \17\ ChloroSense. ``Measurement of Free and Total Chlorine in 
Drinking Water by Palintest ChloroSense,'' August 2009. Available at 
https://www.nemi.gov or from Palintest Ltd, 1455 Jamike Avenue 
(Suite 100), Erlanger, KY 41018.
    \18\ EPA Method 302.0. ``Determination of Bromate in Drinking 
Water using Two-Dimensional Ion Chromatography with Suppressed 
Conductivity Detection,'' September 2009. EPA 815-B-09-014. 
Available at the National Service Center for Environmental 
Publications (www.epa.gov/nscep). Search ``815B09014''.
    \19\ EPA 415.3, Revision 1.2. ``Determination of Total Organic 
Carbon and Specific UV Absorbance at 254 nm in Source Water and 
Drinking Water,'' September 2009. EPA/600/R-09/122. Available at 
http://www.epa.gov/water-research/epa-drinking-water-research-methods.
* * * * *
    \23\ Hach Company. ``Hach Company TNTplus TM 835/836 
Nitrate Method 10206--Spectrophotometric Measurement of Nitrate in 
Water and Wastewater,'' January 2011. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 
389, Loveland, Colorado 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \24\ EPA Method 525.3. ``Determination of Semivolatile Organic 
Chemicals in Drinking Water by Solid Phase Extraction and Capillary 
Column Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS),'' February 
2012. EPA/600/R-12/010. Available at http://www.epa.gov/water-research/epa-drinking-water-research-methods.
    \25\ EPA Method 536. ``Determination of Triazine Pesticides and 
their Degradates in Drinking Water by Liquid Chromatography 
Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS/MS),'' 
October 2007. EPA 815-B-07-002. Available at the National Service 
Center for Environmental Publications (www.epa.gov/nscep). Search 
``815B07002''.
    \26\ EPA Method 523. ``Determination of Triazine Pesticides and 
their Degradates in Drinking Water by Gas Chromatography/Mass 
Spectrometry (GC/MS),'' February 2011. EPA 815-R-11-002. Available 
at the National Service Center for Environmental Publications 
(www.epa.gov/nscep). Search ``815R11002''.
    \27\ EPA Method 1623.1. ``Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Water 
by Filtration/IMS/FA,'' 2012. EPA-816-R-12-001. Available at the 
National Service Center for Environmental Publications (www.epa.gov/nscep). Search ``816R12001''.
    \28\ Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and 
Wastewater, 22nd edition (2012). Available from American Public 
Health Association, 800 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001-3710.
    \29\ EPA Method 524.4, Version 1.0. ``Measurement of Purgeable 
Organic Compounds in Water by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry 
using Nitrogen Purge Gas,'' May 2013. EPA 815-R-13-002. Available at 
the National Service Center for Environmental Publications 
(www.epa.gov/nscep). Search ``815R13002''.
* * * * *
    \31\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 10260--Determination of 
Chlorinated Oxidants (Free and Total) in Water Using Disposable 
Planar Reagent-filled Cuvettes and Mesofluidic Channel 
Colorimetry,'' April 2013. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, 
Loveland, CO 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \33\ Tecta EC/TC. ``Techta\TM\ EC/TC Medium and Techta\TM\ 
Instrument: A Presence/Absence Method for the Simultaneous Detection 
of Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Drinking 
Water,'' version 1.0, May 2014. Available from Veolia Water 
Solutions and Technologies, Suite 4697,

[[Page 46848]]

Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, 
K7L 3N6.
    \34\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 10241--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Free Chlorine (Cl2) in Finished Drinking 
Water,'' November 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 
389, Loveland, CO 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \35\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 8026--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Copper in Finished Drinking Water,'' December 2015. 
Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 
80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \36\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 10272--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Copper in Finished Drinking Water,'' December 2015. 
Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 
80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \37\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 10261--Total Organic Carbon in 
Finished Drinking Water by Catalyzed Ozone Hydroxyl Radical 
Oxidation Infrared Analysis,'' December 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 
Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539. (Available at 
http://www.hach.com.)
    \38\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 10267--Spectrophotometric 
Measurement of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Finished Drinking 
Water,'' December 2015. Revision 1.2. 5600 Lindbergh Drive, P.O. Box 
389, Loveland, CO 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \39\ Hach Company. ``Hach Method 10258--Determination of 
Turbidity by 360[deg] Nephelometry,'' January 2016. 5600 Lindbergh 
Drive, P.O. Box 389, Loveland, CO 80539. (Available at http://www.hach.com.)
    \40\ Nitrate Elimination Company, Inc. (NECi). ``Method for 
Nitrate Reductase Nitrate-Nitrogen Analysis of Drinking Water,'' 
February 2016. Superior Enzymes, Inc., 334 Hecla Street, Lake 
Linden, Michigan 49945.
    \41\ Thermo Fisher. ``Thermo Fisher Scientific Drinking Water 
Orthophosphate Method for Thermo Scientific Gallery Discrete 
Analyzer,'' February 2016. Revision 5. Thermo Fisher Scientific, 
Ratastie 2, 01620 Vantaa, Finland.
    \42\ Mitchell Method M5331, Revision 1.2. ``Determination of 
Turbidity by LED or Laser Nephelometry,'' February 2016. Available 
from Leck Mitchell, Ph.D., PE, 656 Independence Valley Dr., Grand 
Junction, CO 81507.

[FR Doc. 2016-16516 Filed 7-18-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


Current View
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis action is effective July 19, 2016.
ContactThe Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791 or Glynda Smith, Technical Support Center, Standards and Risk Management Division, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (MS 140), Environmental Protection Agency, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45268; telephone number: (513) 569-7652; email
FR Citation81 FR 46839 
CFR AssociatedEnvironmental Protection; Chemicals; Indians-Lands; Intergovernmental Relations; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Water Supply

2024 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR