This extended abstract provides a brief overview of an issue paper that is under development for
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The USEPA is currently revising the Total Coliform Rule (TCR) and is considering
new possible distribution system requirements as part of these revisions. As part of this process,
the USEPA is developing a series of issue papers on topics relevant to the TCR. This extended
abstract provides an overview of secondary disinfectants, an overview of existing disinfectant
residual guidelines and requirements, a discussion of the three main functions of secondary
disinfection, and the efficacy of secondary disinfectants in carrying out these functions. Includes 13 references.