EPA posted atrazine drinking water data

As part of this EPA’s commitment to transparency and to enhance accessibility, EPA has posted on its Web site and in the docket complete atrazine monitoring program drinking water data gathered from 150 community water systems over the six-year period 2003 through 2008. This new posting makes the monitoring data more accessible.

In reviewing these data, EPA has confirmed that none of the drinking water systems has exceeded the pesticide program’s level of concern. However, EPA will continue to closely track new scientific developments regarding atrazine and if any data raise new risk concerns, the Agency will modify its regulatory position as appropriate.

These data resulted from the Agency’s 2003 Atrazine Reregistration Eligibility Decision and subsequent Memorandum of Agreement with the atrazine registrants, which required an intensive, ongoing monitoring program to look for atrazine residues in drinking water. The 150 community water systems, located primarily in the Midwest, are among the most vulnerable to atrazine exposure. These systems are monitored every week during the atrazine use season and bi-weekly the rest of the year. EPA uses the data to determine whether the Agency will allow continued use of atrazine in watersheds associated with the most vulnerable community water systems.

The Atrazine Updates Web page also provides information about the status of the atrazine ecological watershed monitoring program, and research activities related to cancer and amphibians. For further information, please see the Web page.