Perchlorate (ClO4 -) is used as an oxidizer for rocket fuel, fireworks, matches, airbags, and other mechanisms requiring enhanced explosions. Because perchlorate isextremely hydrophilic, it leaches into ground water and is eventually found in drinkingwater supplies. Public health is the primary reason agencies regulate perchlorate. Severeeffects of perchlorate ingestion are hypothyroidism, goiter, and aplastic anemia.The objectives of this study were isolate areas of perchlorate occurrence andcompare costs of government sanctioned compliance methods. Two removal strategiesmeet the best available technology (BAT) criteria for perchlorate, single pass ionexchange and biological fluidized bed reactor. The former is the preferred method due toissues with possible pathogenic bacteria for the latter. Another compliance option isblending with a fresh water source. Costs were compared for ion exchange and blendingfor each of the water sources in each of two public water systems.The study compared the relative prices of blending and ion exchange over atwenty-year period and found that in the $60/acre-ft case, the inflation adjusted total costof blending was $9,595,263 for Pomona and $15,152,463 for Riverside. For the average$250/acre-ft case, the inflation adjusted total cost of blending was $33,814,300 forPomona and $56,842,972 for Riverside. In the high estimate, $500/acre-ft, the inflationadjusted total cost of blending was $65,681,455 for Pomona and $111,698,906 forRiverside. The inflation adjusted total cost for ion exchange was $41,411,187 forPomona and $55,631,907 for Riverside. Thus, depending on the cost scenario used thecosts determine varied recommendations.
