EPA: Increasing Transparency Regarding Public Drinking Water

On March 28, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The purpose is to strengthen consumer confidence in drinking water quality by providing individuals and businesses with more public information access.

Next week, the EPA will hold its first of two informational webinars about the proposed regulation update.

• April 12, 2023 (3:00-4:00 pm Eastern Time) Webinar Registration: General overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule

Later in the month, a second informational webinar will be hosted, essentially covering the same material but presented for those who cannot attend the first event.

• April 20, 2023 (1:30-3:30 pm Eastern Time) Webinar Registration: Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Drinking Water Professionals

Currently, the EPA requires states to collect compliance monitoring data, but regulations limit the data available to the EPA. The new action will help EPA identify trends geographically and demographically, with a goal of improving transparency and accountability and amplifying best practices for the benefit of communities.

Understanding Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR)

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), also known as an “Annual Drinking Water Quality Report”, provide information about local drinking water quality.

Reports include: The lake, river, aquifer, or other source of the drinking water.

• A summary of the risk of contamination of the local drinking water source.
• The regulated contaminants found in local drinking water.
• The potential health effects of any contaminant detected in violation of an EPA health standard.
• An accounting of the water system’s actions to restore safe drinking water.
• An educational statement for vulnerable populations about avoiding Cryptosporidium.
• Educational information on lead, nitrate, and/or arsenic, in areas where these contaminants may be a concern

From the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

How can I get a copy of my CCR?

Currently, all community water systems are required to deliver their annual drinking water quality reports by July 1st, through mail or other direct delivery method to bill-paying customers, and use “good faith” faith delivery methods intended to reach non-bill-paying consumers, such as renters. Many water systems now use electronic delivery methods by sending links to the report via postcard or included with their water bills. Each community water system must make its report available to the public upon request. If consumers need help finding their CCR, they can also visit EPA’s “Find Your Local CCR” webpage to look up water system information, which some water systems choose to include a link to the water system webpage and/or CCR report.