United States
Environmental Protection
^1 M »Agency
This document contains data extracted from the EPA "State Source Water Assessment and
Protection Programs Final Guidance," published in August 1997. The reference number is EPA
816-R-97-009. You can find the entire document at
http://www.epa.qov/safewater/sourcewater.cfm?action=Publications.
State Source Water
Assessment and Protection
Programs Final Guidance
Cover Letter
August 1997

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Cover Letter
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D C. 20460
THE ADMINISTRATOR
One year ago, President Clinton signed the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996, the primary statute
for protection of our nation's public drinking water supply. Today, I am pleased to present to you the Source
Water Assessment and Protection Guidance to assist States in implementing the source water provisions of that
law.
The 1996 Amendments initiated a new era in cost-effective prevention of drinking water contamination, and in
State flexibility and citizen involvement in drinking water programs. The new law will strengthen protections
for all members of the public, while allowing EPA to focus on the highest risks to human health and to develop
responsible solutions for problems such as microbial contamination. Source water protection is the centerpiece
of the Act's prevention focus and this source water guidance reflects EPA's commitment to those values as we
implement our new responsibilities.
The guidance addresses the requirements in the law that States identify the areas that are sources of public
drinking water, assess water systems' susceptibility to contamination, and inform the public of the results.
Funding is available through the recently created Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Completed
assessments can be used to focus resources on protecting drinking water sources. Assessment is one of the law's
key prevention initiatives, which can provide information vital to the success of new regulatory flexibility for
States and water systems.
In source water assessments as in many other provisions, the law now reflects the principle of public right-to-
know and involvement. EPA has recognized the importance of this principle in our extensive stakeholder
processes used to develop this guidance and to carry out our other responsibilities. Similarly, much of the
flexibility States are given, in assessments and elsewhere, must be guided by public involvement. Through
source water assessments and consumer right-to-know reports, States and water systems will inform the public
about their drinking water, and can then engage consumers, States, and upstream neighbors in partnerships to do
what needs to be done in treatment or prevention.
Many States, water suppliers, and other public and private organizations and individuals have already protected
their drinking water supplies, particularly through wellhead and watershed protection programs. I want to
recognize and thank the participants in these vital efforts. I urge you to lend your unique expertise to the
national challenge of source water protection, and encourage all interested citizens to join in partnerships to
protect our precious drinking water.
Thank you for your commitment to safe drinking water.
Sincerely,
Carol Browner
Dear Friends:

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