How Do I Know My Water is Safe to Drink?

Public and private water companies regularly run tests to ensure the quality and safety of the water supplied to customers.  To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations that limit the amount of contaminants in public water systems.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the limits for contaminants in bottled water.  All drinking water including bottled water may be expected to contain small amounts of some contaminants.   The presence of small amounts of contaminants in water does not necessarily pose a health risk.  For more information on contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.  Immune-compromised persons such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, and elderly or infants who can be at risk from infections.   People who fall in these categories should consult their health care providers and contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline for for guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by water contaminants.