EPA Letter on Safe Drinking Water

What is the primary responsibility of states under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?

Implementation and enforcement of drinking water regulations.

What is the EPA's role regarding state efforts under the SDWA?

Oversight of state efforts.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's highest priority is protecting public health and ensuring the safety of our nation's {{c1::drinking water}}.

Which event is specifically mentioned in the letter as having led to important discussions about the safety of the nation's drinking water supplies?

1. 1. Hurricane Katrina
2. 2. Flint, Michigan water crisis
3. 3. Deepwater Horizon oil spill
4. 4. California drought

Which event is specifically mentioned in the letter as having led to important discussions about the safety of the nation's drinking water supplies?

1. Hurricane Katrina
2. ✓ Flint, Michigan water crisis
3. Deepwater Horizon oil spill
4. California drought

What rule is the EPA's Office of Water increasing oversight of to address deficiencies in implementation?

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR).

EPA staff are meeting with every state drinking water program to ensure states are taking appropriate actions to address {{c1::lead action level exceedances}}.

Name one action states should take to address lead action level exceedances, as mentioned in the letter.

Optimizing corrosion control, providing effective public health communication and outreach, or removing lead service lines where required by the LCR.

Which of the following is NOT one of the near-term actions the EPA urges states to take regarding the LCR?

1. 1. Confirm LCR protocols are consistent with EPA guidance.
2. 2. Post all state LCR sampling protocols on their public website.
3. 3. Cease all lead sampling until new rules are finalized.
4. 4. Work with public water systems to increase transparency of materials inventory.

Which of the following is NOT one of the near-term actions the EPA urges states to take regarding the LCR?

1. Confirm LCR protocols are consistent with EPA guidance.
2. Post all state LCR sampling protocols on their public website.
3. ✓ Cease all lead sampling until new rules are finalized.
4. Work with public water systems to increase transparency of materials inventory.

What information are public water systems encouraged to post on their websites to increase transparency in LCR implementation?

The materials inventory (including locations of lead service lines) and LCR compliance sampling results, along with justifications for invalidation of samples.

The EPA is working to revise and strengthen the LCR, with proposed revisions expected to be issued in {{c1::2017}}.

What is the timeframe given for states to respond in writing to the EPA's request regarding their activities in strengthening safe drinking water programs?

Within the next 30 days.

Who is the Deputy Assistant Administrator who signed the letter?

Joel Beauvais.

Protection of the nation's drinking water involves challenges from both {{c1::legacy}} and {{c2::emerging contaminants}}.

Which of the following is identified as a shared responsibility in ensuring drinking water safety and sustainability?

1. 1. Only federal government agencies
2. 2. Only public water system owners and operators
3. 3. State, tribal, local, and federal governments, system owners, operators, consumers, and other stakeholders
4. 4. Only consumers and environmental advocacy groups

Which of the following is identified as a shared responsibility in ensuring drinking water safety and sustainability?

1. Only federal government agencies
2. Only public water system owners and operators
3. ✓ State, tribal, local, and federal governments, system owners, operators, consumers, and other stakeholders
4. Only consumers and environmental advocacy groups

What is one strategy mentioned for improving the safety and sustainability of drinking water systems, beyond the immediate focus on lead?

Ensuring adequate and sustained investment in regulatory oversight; using information technology to enhance transparency; leveraging funding sources for infrastructure; or identifying technology to address contaminants.