Protecting Public Health
The annual consumer confidence report mandated by the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act amendments is the perfect opportunity to communicate with your customers. Under the SDWA, EPA sets standards for drinking water quality and oversees the states, localities, and water suppliers who implement those standards. The following articles provide information about how to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply and educating the customers.
If you have a technical question we can help. Call NESC toll free at (800) 624-8301 or e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu and ask for technical assistance.
Our Free Downloads
- See our Emergency Page for flood and disaster related information.
- Tie that Binds: Public Drinking Water and Public Health -by Kathy Jesperson, On Tap magazine, Fall 2004 - Two concepts that cannot be separated are public drinking water and public health protection. In fact, an entire industry was built on the bond between these two notions. Drinking water systems, drinking water organizations, and, yes, even the dreaded drinking water regulations exist because safe drinking water and public health have an alliance that cannot be divided.
- Emerging and Re-emerging Pathogens: Compelling Reasons to Protect Drinking Water -by Kathy Jesperson, On Tap magazine, Fall 2004 - At one time,it seemed that science had defeated waterborne disease.But now that doesn't appear to be the case. Emerging and re-emerging pathogens have become a great concern for public health officials and drinking water systems around the country.
- Small Community Public Health - The National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities provides this list of links to various organizations and help centers.
EPA Links, Downloads
- The free products, tools, and online resources below are provided by our funding sponsor, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These links will open new web pages.
- Drinking Water and Health: What you need to know (web site)-Drinking water quality varies from place to place, depending on the condition of the source water from which it is drawn and the treatment it receives.
- How can I help protect drinking water? (web site)-Citizens can both, be aware of the challenges of keeping drinking water safe, and take an active role in protecting drinking water. There are lots of ways that individuals can get involved.
- Protecting America's Public Health Free Poster (web site and pdf)-This poster will help you understand how everyday occurrences can affect your drinking water. Risks to drinking water come in many forms.
- Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791 (web site)-Set-up to provide the general public, regulators, medical and water professionals, and others with information about drinking water and ground water programs authorized under the Safe Drinking Water Act, this number/site also has a database.
-
What to Do After the Flood: Well and Pump Inspection (web site), EPA - Drilled, driven, or bored wells are best disinfected by a well or pump contractor because it is difficult for the private owner to thoroughly disinfect these wells.