Research Plan for Microbial Pathogens and Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water

This document describes the research needed to support EPA's development of drinking water regulations for community systems concerning disinfectants, disinfection by-products (DBPs) and microbial pathogens. It does not specifically address the needs of non-community systems; however, much of the information that will be generated by this research will be relevant to noncommunity systems as well. While the research need identified in this plan are extensive, the plan is intended to focus on the key scientific and technical information needed to develop sound regulations. EPA is committed to conducting a substantial research program that will address many of the priority research needs identified in the plan. EPA also hopes to use this plan as a vehicle for discussion with outside groups, including those who participated in the DBP regulatory negotiation, to reach agreement on the components of the plan. EPA anticipates that the plan can then be used to promote coordination and cooperation among the various agencies, private organizations, and universities that are involved in DBP and microbial research. EPA envisions continuing the stakeholder meetings to facilitate coordination of research.