Mapping the locations of potential sources of drinking water contamination. Public water supply systems that use surface water and that have filtration treatment are eligible to participate. Many communities are in the process of implementing source water protection programs. Your local water supplier can tell you whether your community has a source water protection program. Source water protection works by involving all members of the community.
Citizens can voice their support for controlling how land is used near drinking water intakes.
Citizens can also educate their neighbors about the danger that household chemicals pose to drinking water supplies. Many communities sponsor household hazardous waste disposal days to promote proper handling of waste paints and thinners, pesticides, used oil, and other hazardous materials. Your state or local environmental agency should have information about such programs in your community. The 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act provide many opportunities for public involvement. The new law gives states flexibility and funding to tailor the new program efforts to improve source water protection and water system capacity to meet each states unique needs and conditions.