United States Office of Water EPA 816-F-01-025

Environmental Protection (4606) July 2001

Agency

Source Water Protection 

Practices Bulletin 

Managing Small Quantity 

Chemical Use to Prevent 

Contamination of Drinking Water 

Many small businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions use chemicals to carry 

out their business functions. Although varying greatly in purpose, these small quantity chemical 

users share in their ability to potentially contribute to the pollution of drinking water. Many 

small businesses understand their day-to-day business operations but may lack familiarity with 

procedures for proper use and management of chemicals. This fact sheet provides an overview 

of prevention measures and demonstrates how precaution must be taken in all areas regarding 

chemical use. Businesses that generate hazardous waste, as it is defined under the Resource 

Conservation and Recovery Act, should consult with their State hazardous waste agency 

regarding proper handling and disposal. 

PLACES WHERE SMALL QUANTITY CHEMICAL USE OCCURS 

Small quantity chemical users include dry cleaners, beauty 

shops, photo finishers, vehicle repair shops, printers, 

laboratories, water supply facilities, academic institutions, 

nursing homes, medical facilities, and many others. It is the 

daily practices of these businesses that use chemicals and 

produce chemical waste.


Degreasing, cleaning,


polishing, paint


preparation, rust


removal, and photo processing are just a fraction of the


activities in which small businesses are engaged.


Improper disposal of chemicals from these users can reach


ground or surface water through a number of pathways. If 

substances from these businesses are accidentally or intentionally discharged into sewers, 

contamination of ground and surface waters can 

occur. Improper disposal into sewers can also 

endanger the ability of publicly-owned 

treatment works (POTWs) to properly treat 

wastewater. Chemicals poured into septic 

systems or dry wells can leach into ground 

water or contribute to treatment system failure. 

Chemical users should always ensure that 

haulers they hire to carry their waste off-site are 

properly licensed and that they deliver the 

waste to appropriate disposal sites. 
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO MANAGE SMALL QUANTITY CHEMICAL USE NEAR 

THE SOURCES OF YOUR DRINKING WATER? 

Many ordinary businesses use chemicals and produce chemical waste that can be harmful to 

humans if ingested. Types of chemicals used by these businesses include solvents, corrosives, 

dry cleaning agents, heavy metals and inorganics, inks and paint, lead-acid batteries, plating 

chemicals, cyanide, and wood preserving agents. Each set of contaminants has its own 

environmental and health hazards. For example, a dry cleaning filtration residue, 

perchloroethylene, causes kidney and liver damage in both humans and animals. It is among the 

most common contaminants in ground water and a very small amount can contaminate many 

thousands of gallons of water. Used cyanide, a common waste product of metal finishing, is 

considered an acutely hazardous waste and can be toxic in very small doses. Chemical 

manufacturers can supply Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) which list these kinds of 

dangers and help to categorize products and their waste. 

AVAILABLE PREVENTION MEASURES TO ADDRESS SMALL QUANTITY 

CHEMICAL USE 

Due to the large number and variety of businesses that use chemicals,


there are a vast number of prevention measures, many of which are


specific to the facility of interest. This fact sheet discusses some


prevention measures that are common to most chemical using facilities.


Before a facility can implement any pollution prevention practice, it


must first assess what kinds of chemicals are used and how they are


used. Monitoring chemical use can help operators decide which option


will be the most beneficial. Businesses should start with easy and


inexpensive practices before considering more costly measures such as equipment and process


modifications. Some of the easiest and least expensive practices can produce the most effective


pollution prevention results.


Please keep in mind that individual prevention measures may or may not be adequate to prevent


contamination of source waters. Most likely, individual measures should be combined in an


overall prevention approach that considers the nature of the potential source of contamination,


the purpose, cost, operational, and maintenance requirements of the measures, the vulnerability


of the source waters, the public’s acceptance of the measures, and the community’s desired


degree of risk reduction.


Ways to Avoid Excess Chemical Use 

Good waste reduction and management strategies can 

significantly reduce the threat of hazardous materials to 

drinking water sources. Make sure employees carefully follow 

the manufacturer’s directions when mixing or using chemicals 

to prevent producing large quantities of useless material that 

must be disposed of as waste. The toxicity of waste can be 

reduced by using the least hazardous or least concentrated 

products available to accomplish their processes. Such 

substitutions include the use of water based paints, or high 

solids solvent based paints when water based paints are not 

available. Cleaning products and solvents, which can contain 

highly toxic or harsh chemicals, can be replaced with less 

hazardous counterparts. Printing businesses can use nontoxic 

inks that are free of heavy metal pigments. 

Responsible purchasing can also drastically decrease the amount of waste for disposal. This 

includes ordering materials on an as-needed basis and returning unused portions back to 

vendors. A facility may unwittingly create excess harmful materials by mixing hazardous with 
nonhazardous waste. Avoiding this practice can significantly reduce the toxicity of waste 

disposed and increase the possibility of recycling materials. Another method of waste reduction 

is trading waste with other businesses. Waste exchanges reduce disposal costs and quantities, 

reduce the demand for natural resources, and increase the value of waste. 

Proper Use and Handling of Chemicals 

Reading the label on chemical containers is one of the simplest and most 

important prevention measures. The label provides information on proper 

use, storage, and disposal and may provide emergency information in the 

event the product is accidentally spilled or ingested. In cases where the 

chemical is highly dangerous, the label will contain special warnings or 

use restrictions. 

Employee training is critical in preventing source water pollution by chemical using facilities. 

While many preventive measures seem simple and straightforward, if they are not followed or 

employees are unaware of them, significant consequences can result. All staff should be trained 

to store materials properly and be aware of spill control and response protocols. Employees can 

be encouraged to learn and retain proper procedures through periodic drills, pollution 

prevention training workshops, and company incentive or reward programs. 

Proper Storage and Disposal of Chemicals 

Chemical audits are a good starting point. It is important to understand chemical needs for the 

facility and compare these to the chemical supply on hand. Where appropriate, excess 

chemicals should be removed (and properly disposed), or future purchasing adjusted to reduce 

stored inventories. A chemical management plan that includes a list of chemicals used, the 

method of disposal such as reclamation or contract hauling, and procedures for assuring that 

toxic chemicals are not discharged into source water should be implemented. 

Proper on-site storage of hazardous substances helps to prevent accidental leaks and applies 

to both storage areas and containers. Designated storage areas should have paved or 

impervious surfaces, a protective cover, and secondary containment around all containers to 

catch spills. Containers should have clear and visible labels which include purchase date and 

all information presented on the distributer’s original label. Dating materials allows facilities to 

use older materials first. When not in use, storage containers must be sealed to prevent spills 

and evaporation. Storage areas and containers should be thoroughly inspected on a weekly basis 

and secured against unauthorized entry. Care should be taken that chemical storage and 

handling areas do not allow for contamination of storm water flows. EPA has developed 

extensive guidance providing BMPs for storm water management in industrial settings. 

Hazardous waste should never be discharged into floor drains, storm drains, toilets, sinks, 

other improper disposal areas, or other routes leading to public sewers, septic systems, or dry 

wells. Chemical waste should be disposed of according to the manufacturer’s directions and 

State and local requirements. Many local communities sponsor household hazardous waste 

events to collect and properly dispose of small quantities of chemicals. 
A useful tool for making disposal decisions is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). These


sheets provide important information regarding contents of commercial products and enable a


facility to determine whether materials will produce hazardous waste. MSDS data (i.e.,


chemical name, ingredients, possible carcinogens, and other known hazards) are also important


for chemical use, storage and spill control. MSDS documents can be obtained from


manufacturers and should be kept readily accessible.


When hazardous substances are


unintentionally released, the event is


considered a spill and must be treated


appropriately. Spill prevention and control


includes spill response plans which serve as


guidance for employees in the event of a


large spill. A good plan minimizes


environmental impact and reduces liability


for clean-up costs and possible bodily


injuries. It should be kept where it can be


easily viewed by employees near mixing


and storage areas. Besides detailed


instructions for staff, a spill response plan


includes a diagram showing the location of all chemicals, floor drains, exits, fire extinguishers,


and spill response supplies. Spill response supplies (e.g., mop, pail, sponges, absorbent


materials) should also be listed. Someone trained in these procedures must be on site or easily


reachable during hours of operation. 


Other practices to control spills include the use of funnels when transferring harmful substances


and drip pans placed under spigots, valves, and pumps to catch accidental leakage. Sloped


floors allow leaks to run into collection areas. Catch basins in loading dock areas, where nearly


one third of all accidental spills occur, can help recapture harmful chemicals. All practices


should be performed in a way that allows the reuse or recycling of the spilled substance.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

These sources contain information on small quantity chemical use pollution prevention 

practices. All of the documents listed are available free of charge on the Internet. 

Assistance is available to communities wishing to enact ordinances to protect water supplies 

from contamination due to small quantity chemical use or to small businesses seeking to 

improve their operations with management measures. Local fire departments or departments of 

health have the authority to pass ordinances or regulations covering chemical use and safety. 

Contact local government authorities in your area to see if there are ordinances in place to 

manage small quantity chemical use. Numerous examples of local source water protectionrelated ordinances for various potential contaminant sources can be found at 

http://www.epa.gov/r5water/ordcom/, http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/, and 

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/ordinance/links.htm. The Small Business Environmental Home 

Page (http://www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/fundstat.html) provides links to financial assistance 

programs and other available assistance in all 50 States. 

The following resources provide information on selection and design of specific management 

measures: 

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Resource Protection, 

Drinking Water Program. (1996, June). Tips for Protecting Your Drinking Water Supply. 

Retrieved February 26, 2001, from the World Wide Web: 

http://www.state.ma.us/dep/brp/dws/files/donts.htm 
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. (1999, July). Disposal of Industrial Wastewater and 

Alternatives. UICP/8-02/July 1999. Retrieved February 21, 2001, from the World Wide Web: 

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/pubs/8-02.pdf 

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. (1999, February). Best Management 

Practices (BMPs) for Groundwater Protection. WD-WSEB-22-4. Retrieved February 26, 2001, 

from the World Wide Web: http://www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/ws/ws-22-4.htm 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Pollution Prevention Unit. (1998, 

March). Environmental Compliance and Pollution Prevention Guide for Small Quantity 

Generators. Retrieved January 2001, from the World Wide Web: 

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ppu/ecppsqg.pdf 

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Hazardous Waste Management. (1997, 

August). Your Business and Hazardous Materials Management. Retrieved February 21, 2001, 

from the World Wide Web: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dhwm/dwatt/brochure.htm 

U.S. EPA, Envirosense. (1993, February). Case Study: Preventing Ground Water 

Contamination. #1903. Retrieved February 21, 2001, from the World Wide Web: 

http://es.epa.gov/techinfo/case/michigan/michcs15.html 

U.S. EPA, New England. (2000, April). What Role Does Your Business Have in Protecting 

Drinking Water Sources. EPA-901-F-00-001. Retrieved February 21, 2001, from the World 

Wide Web: http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/drinkwater/sourcewater.pdf 

U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste. (1996, April). Understanding the Hazardous Waste Rules. 

EPA530-K-95-001. Retrieved May 1, 2001, from the World Wide Web: 

http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/sqg/handbook/sqg_pdf.pdf 

U.S. EPA, Office of Wastewater Management. (1992, September). Storm Water Management 

for Industrial Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and BMPs. Retrieved May 1, 

2001, from the World Wide Web: http://www.epa.gov/owm/sw/indguide/index.htm 

The following sites provide information on preventive measures for small quantity chemical 

use: 

downthedrain.org is a site dedicated to reducing the threat of hazardous materials to our 

drinking water supply. http://www.downthedrain.org 

The Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resource Management provides several 

best management practices fact sheets for various types of facilities. 

http://www.co.miami-dade.fl.us/derm/ 

The Small Business Environmental Home Page (http://www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org) 

helps small business access environmental compliance and pollution prevention 

information. Its publication section provides documents and web sites for various small 

quantity chemical users. 

The U.S. EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assistance 

(http://es.epa.gov/oeca/main/compasst/index.html) provides documents and links related 

to small quantity chemical users. 

Information on waste exchange can be found on U.S. EPA’s Envirosense web site for 

Materials/Waste Exchange. http://es.epa.gov/program/iniative/waste/waste.html.