Earth Gauge: Drink Up

Americans fill-up one billion water glasses from the tap each day, and water utilities treat more than 34 billion gallons of water daily. While our tap water is generally safe, naturally-occurring pollutants and pollutants from humans and animals can impact drinking water quality.

The best way to protect your water and health is to learn about your local drinking water supply and how to protect it.

Know where your drinking water comes from. If you get your drinking water from a public supply, your water utility will provide a yearly “Consumer Confidence Report” that gives information on your water source, potential contaminants, and possible health effects. Visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html and click on your state to find out if your report is available online.

If you depend on a household well – 15 percent of Americans do – make sure you have it tested for contaminants (bacteria, nitrates, and others) yearly. Installing a well cap or sanitary seal can protect your water supply from tampering and contamination.

Regardless of where you live, protect water quality by using household chemicals carefully. Never dump them outside or apply yard care chemicals when there is rain in the forecast. Avoid using chemicals near wells or surface waters.

(Sources: U.S. EPA. “Water on Tap: What You Need to Know.” http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/pdfs/book_waterontap_full.pdf; U.S. EPA. “Local Drinking Water Information.” http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/index.html)