A Utility Perspective on Tap Water and Health: Issues, Risks, Collaboration, and Communication

Is my tap water safe? What is done to ensure the safety of this supply? These are common questions on the minds of tap water consumers, but who decides what is “safe”?...who checks?..and where do consumers get answers to their questions? Municipal tap water in the United States is safer than it has ever been, according to various assessments, yet many consumers are more concerned about tap water safety than ever before. This presentation will take a look at issues such as: water quality protection and assessment, health effects assessment, drinking water quality standard setting, and perspectives on costs-benefit balancing in water supply management. Also, utility and public health sector collaboration for improved water safety assessment will be discussed, with a focus on NYC's Waterborne Disease Risk Assessment Program. Finally, communications topics will be considered, including communication between the water supply sector and the public health & medical sectors, and communication to the public.