Next section Aesthtic Standards Standards relating to the taste, odor, and appearance of drinking water have also been prescribed by EPA, but they will be enforced only if the individual states want to enforce them. Objectionable constituents such as iron and manganese are included in these standards. All existing standards may be changed and new standards established based on studies being conducted by the National Academy of Sciences, EPA, and others. One such change currently being proposed is the addition of further regulations for organics.
Current standards reflect the best scientific and technical judgment available.
They are reviewed by a 15-member National Drinking Water Advisory Council made up of representatives of the general public, state and local agencies, and experts in the field of public water supply. Wolf currently is a member of the council and serves as chairman of the council subcommittee on training.