EPA launches cyanotoxins management resources

The EPA has launched a suite of three new cyanotoxins management resources aimed at assisting water utilities in planning for, responding to and communicating about cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins events. 

The tools include:
Cyanotoxin Management Plan Template and Example Plans, which details the development and content of management plans for five utilities and provides a suggested template for others interested in developing a cyanotoxins management plan.

Water Treatment Optimization for Cyanotoxins, which discusses treatment considerations for removing cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, designed to reduce cyanotoxins concentrations while simultaneously addressing other treatment priorities.

Drinking Water Cyanotoxin Risk Communication Toolbox, which contains example materials for cyanotoxins events such as drinking water advisories, press releases, and social media messages.

To help assure that important utility needs were addressed in these resources, EPA reached out to utilities through AWWA to gain feedback on their structure and content. These resources are designed to evolve as more is learned about these facets of cyanotoxin management over time. Additionally, in several places these tools refer to free AWWA resources on the Cyanotoxins Resource Page, such as the AWWA/WRF Manager’s Guides and the CyanoTOX calculator. 

Canadian Water and Wastewater Association