Safeguarding our water supply
About
ASTHO’s safe water program supports state efforts to ensure safe drinking water, protect against recreational water hazards, strengthen wastewater programs, and support policies aimed at improving public health protection by enhancing our nation’s water infrastructure.
Access and Availability
ASTHO Position Statement on Small Systems Affordability Criteria and Variances (pdf)
ASTHO recommends changes to EPA regulation of small community water systems to reduce consumers' exposure to health risks.
Drinking Water
ASTHO Position Statement on Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Water (PPCPs) (pdf)
ASTHO urges federal agencies to develop a national framework for the safe and proper disposal of unused PPCPs and a research agenda for treatment technologies to remove these contaminants from the environment. ASTHO also supports a public health research agenda to gain greater understanding of the potential health risks associated with PPCPs in drinking water.
Drinking Water: Understanding the Science and Policy Behind a Critical Resource (external site)
A free booklet from the National Academies of Science exploring drinking water issues and the extensive efforts needed to protect the safety and reliability of America's tap water.
Source Water Collaborative (external site)
ASTHO is a member of this nationwide coalition united to protect the lakes, rivers and aquifers supplying America ’s drinking water.
Recreational Water Safety
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (audio)
All-State Conference Call with ASTHO and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Waterborne Disease Outbreaks
States of Preparedness: Success Stories (pdf)
Find state public health successful response stories to flooding, waterborne disease outbreaks, and other water-related events.