Water News

In the United States, we enjoy some of the best drinking water in the world. Since 1974, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards and treatment requirements for water contaminants — over 80 to date. But water problems still exist. Despite EPA's efforts, source water can become contaminated from industrial discharges, storm run-off, sewage, or animal wastes. Unfortunately, water treatment plants are not always able to remove all the contaminants from this water.

To protect human health, EPA is constantly working to make our water safer to drink. Check in here often to read about what’s going on in the world of water — new regulations, new information about drinking water treatment, and new problems found in drinking water. We will keep you updated on what you need to know to make informed decisions about your drinking water.

Featured ArticlesCryptosporidium — What is it? What does it do? What is EPA doing to control it in your drinking water?

Giardia — What is it? What does it do? What is EPA doing to control it in your drinking water?

VOCs — What you should know.

Report Available — EPA has released a report that details U.S. drinking water systems — their size and the source of their water.

Safe Drinking Water Act — a summary.

Disinfection By-Products — the downside of chlorine in your drinking water.

Lead — it still may be in your drinking water.

Radon, arsenic, radionuclides, and possibly sulfate — EPA aims to establish drinking water standards by 2000.

Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List — New drinking water contaminants EPA is considering regulating.