&EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) A Robust Tool for the Water Sector The Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure on-line database with comprehensive information about chemical, biological, and radiochemical contaminants of concern for the water sector. This tool compiles drinking water and waste water-specific data in a one-stop, easy-to-use tool. WCIT functionality and content were shaped and validated by water utility professionals, scientists, and public health experts. Supports Multiple Users WCIT data supports multiple users in the water sector. Specific WCIT features for users include: Utilities Laboratories WCIT includes more than 200 analytical methods tied to more than 800 potential contaminants. The enhanced method table contains the method number, title, matrices analyzed, instrumentation required, the organization that developed the method, and three additional fields that rate rapidity, specificity, and how thoroughly the method has been tested. The methods are available as a PDF or via a hyperlink. WCIT provides drinking water and wastewater-specific information to utilities for use in identifying and responding to water contamination. It includes water treatment and infrastructure econtamination methods. WCIT also atures tools to assess risk associated with contamination and conduct enhanced searches of the WCIT database. Emergency Responders The responders can obtain information on first aid, medical treatments and toxicity values, field detection and analysis, and environmental impacts. In addition, the responders can acquire the methods for collecting field samples and data on contaminants that are not normally encountered. WCIT is a practical tool for table-top exercises and emergency drills. ublic Health Agencies ~ aluable information includes pathogen-specific data on hosts, life stages, clinical signs, symptoms, treatment, likely outcome, and possible secondary transmission. In addition, WCIT features links to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheets and International Chemical Safety Cards summarizing key information (e.g., trinsic hazards of exposure, first aid, and treatment). Federal Officials Officials can access the same contaminant information that utilities and first responders use. An enhanced search feature allows searching across all data tables - especially important for federal officials /ho have a broad scope of water sector responsibilities. /CIT also references federal regulations, /alues, and standards, including maximum contaminant levels and health advisories. State Primacy Agencies The Information Officer reporting function is a particularly valuable tool for agencies. This function is ideal for generating summary information for inclusion in press releases or announcements. Office of Water (4608-T) | EPA817-F-10-016 | November 2010 | http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity ------- Did you know? As an all hazards response tool, WCIT can be used in response to natural disasters, accidents, vandalism, and intentional acts. WCIT can also be used to support preparedness planning and training, detection, and recovery. Comprehensive Contaminant Information The core of WCIT contains detailed profiles of contami- nants describing the physical properties, the contaminants' behavior in water, and potential health effects. This in- formation can be accessed through intuitive toolbars and menus, or through a powerful search function that enables a search for any word or term in WCIT. Additional Analytical Methods EPA enhanced WCIT capabilities by integrating a compendium of over 700 new contaminants and 212 analytical methods into WCIT. The new information identifies both field and laboratory methods - and links to copies of the methods that are publicly available. EPA has also expanded the data WCIT contains on analytical methods. Now WCIT contains the method number, title, matrices analyzed, instrumentation required, the organization that developed the method, and three additional fields that rate rapidity, specificity, and how thoroughly the method has been tested. Register for WCIT Registering for WCIT is easy and free. To apply for access to WCIT, visit http://www.epa.gov/wcit or https://cdx.epa.gov. WCIT contaminant data are considered sensitive, so EPA restricts access to individuals in the water sector. Eligible users include: • Drinking water and wastewater utilities • State drinking water primacy agencies (and their regional and local agencies) • State and local public health officials • Federal agencies • State laboratories • Drinking water and wastewater associations partnering with EPA WCIT information includes: • Name, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number • Physical or pathogen properties • Availability • Fate and transport • Medical and toxicity information • Early warning indicators • Field detection and analysis information • Drinking water and wastewater treatment • Environmental impacts • Infrastructure decontamination es Continuous Enhancements EPA continues to expand and enhance WCIT to increase its value to users. Among the enhancements since its launch in 2005: • More than doubled the number of contaminants with full profiles • Added data on drinking water and wastewater treatment and infrastructure decontamination • Enhanced capabilities to allow users to conduct a "Google-like" search across all searchable fields in the database • Incorporated a compendium of methods for nearly 700 analytes • Linked methods to EPAs Standardized Analytical Methods for Environmental Restoration Following Homeland Security Events (SAM) For more information on WCIT, visit http://www.epa.gov/wcit or send an email to WCIT@epa.gov. Office of Water (4608-T) | EPA817-F-10-016 | November 2010 | http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/watersecurity ------- |