EPA WCIT and NEMI-CBR Provide Secure Access to Methods for Detecting Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Contaminants

Wastewater systems face threats from serious contamination incidents that present hazards for utility staff, disrupt treatment processes, or pose a threat to receiving waters. To address these threats, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed secure, online tools for the water sector.Hundreds of wastewater professionals have registered to receive access to EPA's Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT). In late 2006, EPA added information on treatment methods for wastewater and drinking water contaminated by chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants. EPA also enhanced WCIT with infrastructure decontamination data to aid in recovery and return to service.A tool newly available to the water sector is NEMI-CBR, the National Environmental Methods Index for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Methods. NEMI-CBR was developed by EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In 2008, EPA extended access to NEMI-CBR to most registered users of WCIT, including those in the wastewater sector.