& EPA Background Purpoj Operator Staffing Hours of Operation Telephone Number United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water (WH-550A) Washington, DC 20460 February 1993 812/F-93/001 Safe Drinking Water * Hotline )(*"" F-A.C.T.S.H.E.E-T 1-800-426-4791 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Safe Drinking Water Hotline is available to help the regulated community, State and local officials, and the public understand the regulations and programs developed in response to the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986. The Hotline can provide callers with information about EPA's drinking water regulations, guidance, and public education materials. Specifically, the Hotline staff can: • Clarify drinking water regulations and provide appropriate Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulation citations, and explain EPA's policies and guidelines • Provide updates on the status of drinking water regulations and policies • Provide information on the availability of technical publications guidance documents, and regulations regarding drinking water and ground water • Provide information on the availability of public information materials such as brochures and pamphlets regarding drinking water and ground water • Provide Federal, State, and local contacts for specific information on local drinking water conditions, bottled water, home water treatment units, and ground water protection. (The Hotline, however, cannot discuss manufacturers or recommend brandname water treatment units.) « Provide State contacts for EPA-certified labs that test drinking water The State Lab Certification Officer can then provide callers with certified labs in their area. The Hotline is operated by LABAT-ANDERSON Incorporated under contract to EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. The Information Specialists have expert knowledge of EPA's drinking water regulations and policies, gained through a comprehensive training program and daily interaction with the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. The Safe Drinking Water Hotline operates Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., ET, excluding Federal holidays. Callers within the United States and Canada may reach the Safe Drinking Water Hotline by dialing 1-800-426-4791. Printed on Recycled Paper ------- |