Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT)
What is EPA's WCIT database?
EPA's Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure, password-protected, online database that contains
information on contaminants of concern that could pose a significant threat to public health if accidentally or intentionally
introduced into drinking water or wastewater. As a planning tool, the WCIT database can be used to help create
vulnerability assessments, emergency response plans and site-specific response guidelines. As a response tool, the WCIT
database can provide real-time data on water contaminants to help utilities make better decisions. The WCIT database also
helps EPA to determine what information about priority contaminants is missing, which helps guide future research efforts.

Who will have access to the WCIT database?
Drinking water and wastewater utilities, State drinking water and wastewater programs, drinking
water and wastewater associations, and federal officials (including government laboratory
personnel) will have access to the password-protected WCIT database. EPA may grant access to
other types of users in the future depending on the need.

                   What is a "contaminant of concern" for water security?
                   Contaminants of concern for water security are those contaminants that may or may not be regulated,
                   but that could pose a significant threat to public health if accidentally or intentionally introduced
                   into drinking water. The WCIT database includes some contaminants that are not regulated because
                   they are not typically found in drinking water, but could cause harm if intentionally introduced into a
                   drinking water system.

                   What kind of information  will I be able to find on the WCIT database?
                   The WCIT database contains the most up-to-date information on water contaminants from peer
                   reviewed sources and research. It includes data on contaminant names, contaminant availability,
                   fate and transport, health effects and toxicity, medical information, potential water quality and
                   environmental indicators, sampling and analysis and helpful response advice for utilities. The process
                   to gather information on drinking water treatment effectiveness, wastewater, and infrastructure
                   decontamination has begun and these data will be added to the WCIT database at a later date.

                   Who  helped EPA to design the WCIT database?
                   EPA established a User Workgroup to provide guidance on WCIT's design and functionality. The
                   User Workgroup included representatives from groups such as water utilities,  who are the ultimate
                   users  of the WCIT database.  EPA also established an Expert Workgroup, which includes experts on
                   chemical or pathogen properties, fate  and transport, contaminant monitoring,  and health effects. The
                                 Expert Workgroup reviews technical information and continues to provide feedback on
                                 existing WCIT database data, as well as new data that EPA adds to the database.
                                 How many contaminants does the WCIT database contain?
                                 The WCIT database includes information for 48 contaminants at this time. EPA is
                                 currently compiling data on additional contaminants of concern and will continue to
                                 update WCIT.

                                 How can I apply for access to the WCIT database?
                                 To apply for access to the WCIT database, visit: http://www.epa.gov/wcit.
  Office of Water
www.epa.gov/watersecurity
November 2005
  EPA817-F-05-007

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