EPA has released the Consecutive Systems Guidance Manual to assist consecutive systems (public drinking water systems that receive part or all of their finished water from other public water systems) in complying with the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (Stage 2 DBPR). The guidance manual provides an explanation of specific requirements in the Stage 2 DBPR as they apply to consecutive systems. In addition, the manual addresses flexibilities in the rule and explains the various compliance technologies and other compliance approaches available to consecutive systems. The manual also provides information on how to coordinate with wholesale systems to achieve consistent, cost-effective compliance.
The Stage 2 DBPR provides for increased public health protection against the potential risks for cancer and reproductive and developmental health effects associated with exposure to disinfection byproducts.