The Safe Drinking Water Act Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) inform consumers about what’s in their water. EWG is a non-profit advocating for more transparency and tighter water regulations, especially for removing forever chemicals (PFAS) from our drinking water. They maintain a robust database about what’s in the water and how to treat it for your home. https://www.ewg.org/areas-focus/food-water
On May 15, 2024, the EPA announced final Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions to make annual drinking water quality reports more understandable and accessible to the public. These reports are an important tool that drinking water systems use to inform residents about water quality and any contaminants that have been found in the water. Starting in 2027, the final rule will ensure that these reports are easier to read and support access to translations in appropriate languages while enhancing information about lead in drinking water. EPA is also taking steps to streamline the delivery of reports by encouraging electronic methods.
Water systems are currently required to provide annual drinking water reports to customers each year, and with this rule systems serving over 10,000 customers will be required to distribute reports twice per year. The final rule also introduces a new reporting requirement that will provide EPA with better information to make decisions on oversight, enforcement, regulatory revisions, and training and technical assistance. The final rule will require states to submit compliance monitoring data they already receive from public water systems to EPA annually.
Eight Content Requirements of a CCR
Item 1 : Water System Information – Name/phone number of a contact person; information on public participation opportunities.
Item 2 : Source(s) of Water.
Item 3 : Definitions – Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL); MCL Goal (MCLG); Treatment Technique (TT); Action Level (AL); Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL); MRDL Goal (MRDLG).
Item 4 : Detected Contaminants – A table summarizing reported concentrations and relevant MCLs and MCLGs or MRDLs and MRDLGs; known source of detected contaminants; health effects language.
Item 5 : Information on Monitoring for Cryptosporidium, Radon, and Other Contaminants (if detected).
Item 6 : Compliance with Other Drinking Water Regulations (any violations and Ground Water Rule [GWR] special notices).
Item 7 : Variances and Exemptions (if applicable).
Item 8 : Required Educational Information – Explanation of contaminants in drinking water and bottled water; information to vulnerable populations about Cryptosporidium; statements on nitrate, arsenic, and
lead.