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Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems

The Required Elements of Public Notice for Public Water Systems

There are 10 required elements in a public notice. Notices must contain:

  • A description of the violation that occurred, including the contaminant(s) of concern, and  the contaminant level(s);
  • When the violation or situation occurred;
  • The potential health effects (including standard required language);
  • The population at risk, including subpopulations vulnerable if exposed to the contaminant in their drinking water;
  • Whether alternate water supplies need to be used;
  • What the water system is doing to correct the problem;
  • Actions consumers can take;
  • When the system expects a resolution to the problem;
  • How to contact the water system for more information; and
  • Language encouraging broader distribution of the notice.

Here is an example of what a Public Notice looks like:

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