California Finalizes Perchlorate Rules, Setting Standard at 6 Parts Per Billion.

The article reports on the rule signed by California Secretary of State Debra Bowen which would establish a standard for perchlorate in drinking water of 6 parts per billion (ppb) starting October 19, 2007. Perchlorate, which is used in air bags, fireworks, military munitions, rocket fuel, and other explosives, has leached into groundwater supplies across the U.S. Under the new California regulations, water providers must notify customers if their water supplies exceed the 6-ppb standard.