Guide Offers Strategies for Water Risk Communication
EPA recently released a best practices guide that helps public water
systems communicate with their customers about drinking water risks.
"Talking to your Customers about Chronic Contaminants" discusses the
importance of communicating with the public about chronic contaminants,
both regulated and unregulated, and describes effective strategies for
getting the message out.,/P>
Drinking water contaminants that can cause adverse health
effects after continuous long-term exposure at levels greater than the
maximum contaminant level are considered "chronic" contaminants.
Examples of chronic drinking water contaminants regulated by EPA
include inorganic contaminants such as arsenic, organic contaminants
such as pesticides and radiological contaminants.
The agency states in addition to providing required annual consumer
confidence reports, avenues for public communication may include:
- hosting public meetings.
- inviting the public on facility tours.
- publishing articles in local newspapers.
For more information about the guide, go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater.