The lead contamination in Flint, Michigan and the sewage spills in St. Petersburg are only two of many examples of why more consumers are asking questions about the quality of their own drinking water.
That's one of the findings of a new survey being released this week by the , a national trade organization representing the water treatment industry.
Executive Director Pauli Undesser said their consumer survey also showed that consumers have a "thirst" for knowledge of what’s going on in other communities.
She recommends residents take three steps if they have questions about their water quality at home:
- If you get water from a utility or municipal water supply, they’re required to give out an annual report called the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). That’s the first thing a consumer should look for because if water suppliers have any violations, they have to disclose those to the public. You can find your local CCR here.
- On the Water Quality Association’s , you can find a list of EPA approved laboratories if you want to assess the quality of your water at home. That’s because there are miles of pipeline between the source and your home where contaminants can be picked up.
- If you do identify something, how do you find the products or professionals to get the right water quality treatment? There is a list of certified professionals and products on the WQA website.
More than 3,000 water industry experts are meeting in Orlando this week to share ideas and discuss trends like lead contaminants and water scarcity.
The WQA also offers consumers Fact Sheets on water contaminants including arsenic, lead and radium.
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