How to Get Safe Drinking Water

In the United States, safe drinking water is a luxury often overlooked by those who have access to it. In some other countries or in the outdoors, access to acceptable drinking water can prove a challenge. Although your tap water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, there are no guarantees that your water company is in compliance with federal regulations. If you suspect that your tap water may be contaminated, record your insights and speak to your neighbors about any suspicions they may have.

Instructions

Water Supplied to Residential or Commercial Areas

• 1

  Review your water supplier's consumer confidence report. The consumer confidence report informs you of contaminants found in your water. While this is usually mailed to your home by July 1 of each year, you can also review this report on the "Where You Live: Your Drinking Water Quality Reports Online" web site. Click on your state on this page's map to access water information. If you cannot find the record, contact your water supplier.

• 2

  Report any concerns about water safety to one of your state's drinking water offices. Visit the EPA's "Local Drinking Water Information" web page and click on your state of residence. You will find mailing addresses and phone numbers for the drinking water offices near you.

• 3

  Test the drinking water in your private well to ensure that it is safe. These water resources are not under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency. Review the EPA's "State Certification Officers for Drinking Water Laboratories" web page. Contact information will be listed for testing laboratories in each state.

Safe Water Outdoors or in Foreign Countries

• 4

  Bring water to a boil for at least a minute. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Do not add any other water source, like ice cubes, to the water.

• 5

  Boil water for at least three minutes if you are at an altitude greater than 6,562 feet.

• 6

  Disinfect water with iodine. Use the iodine manufacturer's guidelines when adding iodine tablets to water. Double the tablets you use if water is cloudy. Warm water to at least 41 degrees Fahrenheit before you use tablets.

• 7

  Purchase sealed bottled water to ensure safe water. If the seal is broken, do not drink water unless it is boiled.