Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions

The Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs), or annual water quality reports, are a critical piece of the “right-to-know” rules. The purpose of CCRs is to provide customers with information on drinking water quality and allow them to make health-based decisions on drinking water consumption.

The original CCR rule was finalized in 1998. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) amended SDWA and requires EPA  to issue revised CCR regulations.  The revisions are intended to:

1. Increase the readability, clarity, and understandability of the information in the reports.
2. Increase the accuracy of information presented, and risk communication, in CCRs.
3. Require community water systems serving 10,000 or more people to provide consumers with reports twice per year.
4. Allow electronic delivery of CCRs.

AWIA also amended SDWA Section 1414(c)(4)(B) to require community water systems to include information on their corrosion control efforts and identify any corrective actions for action level exceedances in their CCRs.

Public Listening Session

EPA hosted a virtual public listening session on April 26, 2022. During the listening session, EPA shared information and provided opportunities for stakeholders to offer input on considerations related to the development of the proposed CCR rule revision.  EPA encourages input from members of public water systems, environmental groups, public interest groups, risk communication experts, the States, and other interested parties. 

 Potential topics of discussion may include, but are not limited to:

1.  Tools that address challenges to developing CCRs.
2.  CCR delivery methods, including electronic delivery options.
3.  Considerations and concerns related to underserved communities environmental justice.
4.  Opinions on biannual delivery, including timing and content of reports.
5.  CCR accessibility challenges and solutions.
6.  Improving readability, clarity, understandability, accuracy, and risk communication of the information presented in CCRs.

Federal Register Notice - Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revision: Virtual Listening Session

Watch the Public Listening Session here.

EPA is also accepting comments in the public docket until May 23, 2022.  Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID:  EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0260-0001. 

Additional questions about the public engagements can be submitted to OGWDWCCRrevisions@epa.gov

Supporting Materials

• November 4, 2021 informational webinar: CCR Rule Revisions Background and Overview Webinar Slides 11.04.2021 (pdf) 
• December 14, 2021: NDWAC Letter to the Administrator on Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revision (pdf)
• CCR rule Delivery Options memorandum
• Fact Sheet: CCR Quick Reference Guide