这篇文章讨论了最近高氯酸盐风险科学和发生数据的巩固如何在很大程度上满足可能的联邦监管的两个关键信息需求。然而，文章指出，这一进展还没有解决供水商在如何应对这种引人注目的污染物方面所面临的长期不确定性。本文的其余部分回顾了美国环境保护局（U.S.Environmental Protection Agency）的最新发展，以及该州为描述高氯酸盐风险和发生率所做的努力。

This article discusses how the recent firming-up of perchlorate risk science and occurrence data has gone a long way toward meeting two critical information needs for possible federal regulation. However, the article points out that the progress has fallen short of addressing the lingering uncertainties faced by water suppliers about how to respond to the high-profile contaminant. The remainder of the article reviews recent developments in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state efforts to characterize perchlorate risk and occurrence.