Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    • Environmental Topics
    • Air
    • Bed Bugs
    • Chemicals and Toxics
    • Climate Change
    • Emergency Response
    • Environmental Information by Location
    • Environmental Justice
    • Greener Living
    • Health
    • Land, Waste, and Cleanup
    • Lead
    • Mold
    • Pesticides
    • Radon
    • Science Topics
    • Water Topics
    • A-Z Topic Index
    • Laws & Regulations
    • By Business Sector
    • By Topic
    • Compliance
    • Enforcement
    • Guidance
    • Laws and Executive Orders
    • Regulations
    • Report a Violation
    • Environmental Violations
    • Fraud, Waste or Abuse
    • About EPA
    • EPA Administrator
    • Organization Chart
    • Staff Directory
    • Planning, Budget, and Results
    • Jobs and Internships
    • Headquarters Offices
    • Regional Offices
    • Lab and Research Centers
Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems
Contact Us

Public Notification Rule Compliance Help for Water System Owners and Operators

This page provides resources for drinking water system owners and operators. The following documents will assist you in complying with the requirements of the Public Notification (PN) rule. 

PNiWriter Website is no longer available

The PNiWriter website was taken offline on December 15, 2014. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.  For PNiWriter questions or concerns, email support@pniwriter.com. 

For help completing a public notice:

  • Access the Public Notification Handbook and Public Notice templates (available in Microsoft Word) below; or
  • Contact your state for guidance and templates.

Public Notification Rule Handbooks

EPA has developed two public notification handbooks to help with implementation of the PN Rule. The Revised Public Notification Handbook is for community water systems & non-transient non-community water systems. The Public Notification Handbook for Transient Non-community Water Systems if for transient systems. These documents are for Public Water Systems.

  • Revised Public Notification Handbook (PDF)(182 pp, 420 K, About PDF) EPA 816-R-09-013, March 2010
  • Public Notification Handbook for Transient Non-community Water Systems (PDF)(112 pp, 1 MB, About PDF) EPA 816-R-09-009, March 2010
  • Public Notification Instructions and Templates for the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR)(38 pp, 837 K, About PDF) EPA 816-F-16-003 

Microsoft Word files of Public Notice Templates

These templates can be used and customized by drinking water systems to ensure they meet PN content requirements.

  • Public Notification Instructions and Templates for the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) (WORD) (docx) (March 2016)
  • PN templates in Microsoft Word format

Communication Tips

This fact sheet will discuss the importance of communicating with the public about chronic contaminants – both regulated and unregulated. It includes some questions to think about, ideas on how to reach out to customers and best practices for effective communication.

  • Talking to your Customers about Chronic Contaminants in Drinking Water (PDF)(2 pp, 381 K, About PDF) EPA 816-F-07-022, October 2007

For more information, please see the Public Notification Rule page.

  • Drinking Water Requirements Home
  • Drinking Water Rules
  • Water Supply Guidance
  • Training
  • Learn about Water Systems
  • State Resources
  • Water System Resources
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 14, 2022
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Discover.

  • Accessibility
  • Budget & Performance
  • Contracting
  • EPA www Web Snapshot
  • Grants
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Plain Writing
  • Privacy
  • Privacy and Security Notice

Connect.

  • Data.gov
  • Inspector General
  • Jobs
  • Newsroom
  • Open Government
  • Regulations.gov
  • Subscribe
  • USA.gov
  • White House

Ask.

  • Contact EPA
  • EPA Disclaimers
  • Hotlines
  • FOIA Requests
  • Frequent Questions

Follow.