Health Canada released, on January 29, 2014, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes in Drinking Water – Document for Public Comment. The document has been released by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water (CDW) with the intent of establishing new drinking water guidelines including proposed maximum acceptable concentrations and aesthetic objectives for all three compounds. According to Health Canada, the latest assessments make use of approaches that were not available in 1986 when the existing guidelines were established. Feedback is accepted until March 31, 2014.

CWWA’s Drinking Water Quality Committee is consulting on the document and will submit comments if there are any concerns with the proposed guidelines.