Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions
On March 28, 2023, EPA announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would strengthen the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) Rule making annual drinking water quality reports with important public health information more accessible to residents and businesses across the country. A Consumer Confidence Report, sometimes called an “Annual Drinking Water Quality Report,” summarizes information about the local drinking water for the previous year. EPA’s proposal would support public education by more clearly communicating important information in water quality reports and improving access to the reports.
As part of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), Congress instructed EPA to revise the CCR Rule. The proposed revisions support the goal of the SDWA “right-to-know” provisions by improving the CCRs so that people can make better decisions about their drinking water. EPA’s proposed CCR rule will work to further that goal by making sure important information in annual reports are accurate and accessible.
When finalized, EPA’s proposal would:
- Improve the readability, clarity, and understandability of water quality reports
- Enhance risk communication
- Encourage modern electronic delivery options
- Clarify information regarding lead levels and efforts to reduce lead in drinking water
- Provide translation for customers with limited English proficiency
- Require reports be issued twice a year (for systems that serve 10,000 or more people)
- Require states to submit compliance monitoring data to EPA
Additionally, EPA’s proposal would require states to submit compliance monitoring data to EPA. While states already collect compliance monitoring data, current EPA regulations limit the data available to the EPA. When final, this action will help EPA identify trends both geographically and demographically, which will improve transparency and accountability, and amplify best practices that maximize direct benefits in communities.
EPA is requesting public comment on the proposed regulation. The public comment period is now open following the proposed rule publishing in the Federal Register on April 5, 2023. Public comments can be provided at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0260. Comments must be submitted during the public comment period that ends on May 22, 2023. Information on submitting comments to EPA dockets can be found here.
EPA will be holding two informational webinars about the proposed Revised CCR Rule on April 12, 2023, and April 20, 2023. The webinars will be similar, with each intended for specific audiences. Registration is required to attend. The webinar recordings and presentation materials will be made available following the webinars at this website.
- April 12, 2023: General overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule
- General overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule (pdf)
- Webinar recording will be made available as soon as possible.
- April 19, 2023: Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Primacy Agencies.
- Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Primacy Agencies (pdf)
- Webinar recording will be made available as soon as possible.
- April 20, 2023: Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Drinking Water Professionals
- Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Drinking Water Professionals (pdf)
- Webinar recording will be made available as soon as possible.
For questions related to the project, contact OGWDWCCRrevisions@epa.gov.
Supporting Materials
- Federal Register Notice: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions
- Fact Sheet: EPA's Proposed Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions (pdf)
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule (pdf)
- Supporting materials for the proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule will be available at at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0260 after the proposed regulation published in the Federal Register.
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. More information is available at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0260-0001.
Watch the Public Listening Session here.
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