Water systems to report drinking water quality to all customers: how can health professionals prepare for the questions that these reports will generate?

: The ultimate safety of drinking water depends upon protection of source waters and construction and maintenance of reliable drinking water treatment and distribution systems. These objectives require public support. Physicians can encourage their patients to call their water suppliers and advocate for investment in effective treatment systems and support zoning that will protect water supply watersheds and wellheads. The Consumer Confidence Reports are meant to inform consumers about their drinking water supply. Consumers should use the reports to verify that their drinking water meets all health standards and to understand some of the potential threats to their drinking water quality. Physicians may use the reports as an opportunity to discuss the many types of environmental exposures and ways to reduce these exposures. As a crucial component of the public health community, this is your opportunity to encourage your patients to become more aware of their environment and its impact on their health.