Build Public Trust

We can do a better job of communicating when water is safe to drink - and building trust in our water systems - by starting with improvements to water quality reports.

Build Public Trust

The Problem: Many people do not trust tap water

Too many people don't drink their tap water because they don't think it's safe, even when it is. In fact, recent research shows that as many as 6 0 million Americans don’t drink their water, despite having access to clean and safe drinking water in their homes. Mistrust of tap water results in less water consumption and is linked to increased use of expensive or unhealthy substitutes, such as bottled water and sugary beverages.

The Solution: Improve communications and engage with customers

With a more consumer-friendly water quality report, and a set of strategies for getting that information to the public, we can help everyone understand what's in their water and whether it is safe to drink.

Go back to all water team initiatives.

Our Work in Action

Elevating and amplifying best practices

In the fall of 2020, EPIC launched a Water Data Prize to identify the best ideas to improve water quality reports. Within a two-month window, we received more than 30 entries from organizations and individuals in the water sector. An esteemed panel of judges awarded five prizes for top entries that exemplified simple and effective ways to communicate about health data to as many people as possible

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Engagement with federal and state regulators

We work with federal and state regulators to communication around water utility service. EPIC staff served on an EPA working group that made recommendations on the Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revision.
Free template to improve water communications

Water systems need to communicate water quality effectively with their customers. More often, they want to, but lack the time or resources. In collaboration with state regulators, water utilities, communications specialists, and community advocates, we created a free template for utilities to use for annual water quality reports. This template is quick and easy to use to meet regulatory requirements for Consumer Confidence Reports and makes complex information about water quality data more accessible for community members.

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