New Rules for Drinking Water Quality Reports

Beginning in 2027, the EPA will require the reports to be easier to understand, translated into appropriate languages, and to contain additional details about lead in water. In addition, the EPA is encouraging electronic methods for report delivery.

Systems serving 10,000 or more customers must now distribute reports twice each year. States must also submit compliance monitoring data they receive from public water systems to the EPA annually.

In addition to being aware of the CCR updates, water quality testing labs can take a cue from the new rule and consider how to provide information in water analysis reports in a clearer and more helpful way.

Making the CCR More Useful

Every July, community water systems around the U.S. send paying customers an annual CCR. The EPA mandates the reports to inform Americans about local drinking water quality. For water utility managers, it's an opportunity to provide necessary information and build customer relationships.

The CCR summarizes information about the source of water, monitoring for detected contaminants, a description of violations, and risk and health information. Water systems must either deliver a physical copy to ratepayers or notify them that the CCR is available and make a good faith effort to reach members of the public who don't pay water bills.

As part of the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, Congress instructed the EPA to revise the CCR rule. The new final rule supports the goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act's "right-to-know" provisions by improving the CCR to enable people to make better decisions about their water quality and the need for additional treatment to ensure good health.

Enhancing the CCR by 2027

The new rule includes changes for clarity, readability, and comprehension. First, a summary at the beginning of the CCR should highlight key information, such as water quality violations or parameters exceeding an action level. Also, the report should include contact information for consumers who need translation. Water systems should present information about contaminant detection in a consumer-friendly format tailored to local needs, and reports should include definitions of terms like pesticide, herbicide, and corrosion control.

The CCR should detail efforts a water system is taking to prevent lead in drinking water and address the presence of lead if it exceeds the action level. Reports should also include updated language on nitrate and arsenic.

The EPA plans to host two informational webinars about the rule revisions: one for the general public and the other for water system professionals and states. To receive notification about registration, contact OGWDWCCRrevisions@epa.gov.

Taking Your Cue From CCR Requirements

One key to making water analysis reports more user-friendly is to use plain language at a level a middle school student would understand. Break up text with short sentences, bullet points, subheads, and pictures that illustrate key points.

You may also want to highlight the key findings at the beginning of the report, such as any contaminants that exceed drinking water standards. In addition, you can explain which parameters are health risks, including the potential health effects at high concentrations and the levels found in water samples. Make the information relatable—for example, about 0.03 teaspoon of sugar dissolved in a bathtub of water equals one part per million. Also, explain all units, like those for pH, hardness, conductivity, and turbidity.

Be sure to address the significance of general and nuisance indicators. Test results will likely include general indicators that tell customers the water supply may contain contaminants but not specifically which ones. For example, low pH may corrode water pipes and indicate the presence of metals like lead and copper. Nuisance contaminants like iron bacteria and hydrogen have no known adverse health effects but still make water taste or smell bad.

Remember, customer service doesn't end when you print and send your water quality test report. Consider it a starting point for working with customers to achieve their goals for water quality, whether they tap into a private supply or public system. Also, connect customers with your local extension office for further information. For example, the North Dakota State University extension provides information on interpreting water test reports and on ways to address issues like filtration, water softening, and iron and manganese removal. Offering clear, helpful information can mean better water quality and more satisfied customers.