Introduction
Cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae, naturally occur in surface waters. Under certain conditions such as warmer water temperatures and increased nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) cyanobacteria are able to grow rapidly, producing “blooms” referred to as harmful algal blooms or HABs. HABs can produce toxins known as cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals. Conventional water treatment (consisting of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and chlorination) can generally remove intact cyanobacterial cells and low levels of cyanotoxins from source waters. However, public water systems may face challenges in providing drinking water during a severe bloom event when there are high levels of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in source waters. With planning and active management, public water systems can reduce the risks of cyanotoxins occurring in finished drinking water.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) developed this cyanotoxin management plan (CMP) template and partnered with five utilities to develop example CMPs to support states, tribes and public water systems in preparing for and managing the risks from cyanotoxins to drinking water. The CMP template can be used by utilities to build system-specific cyanotoxin management plans as they deem appropriate. The template contains potential steps for monitoring, treatment, communication and long-term activities.
Cyanobacteria, formerly known as blue-green algae, naturally occur in surface waters. Under certain conditions such as warmer water temperatures and increased nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) cyanobacteria are able to grow rapidly, producing “blooms” referred to as harmful algal blooms or HABs. HABs can produce toxins known as cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to humans and animals. Conventional water treatment (consisting of coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and chlorination) can generally remove intact cyanobacterial cells and low levels of cyanotoxins from source waters. However, public water systems may face challenges in providing drinking water during a severe bloom event when there are high levels of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in source waters. With planning and active management, public water systems can reduce the risks of cyanotoxins occurring in finished drinking water.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) developed this cyanotoxin management plan (CMP) template and partnered with five utilities to develop example CMPs to support states, tribes and public water systems in preparing for and managing the risks from cyanotoxins to drinking water. The CMP template can be used by utilities to build system-specific cyanotoxin management plans as they deem appropriate. The template contains potential steps for monitoring, treatment, communication and long-term activities.
