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Environmental Protection
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Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT)

A Robust Tool for the Water Sector

The Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure online database with comprehensive
information about chemical, biological and radiochemical (CBR) contaminants of concern for the Water
Sector. This tool compiles drinking water- and wastewater-specific data in a one-stop, easy-to-use tool.
WCIT's 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. WCIT
includes features that benefit specific users, such as:

Did you know?

WCIT is a practical tool that is
often showcased during analytical
preparedness full-scale exercises
and tabletop exercises.

Utilities

WCIT provides drinking water- and
wastewater-specific information to utilities
for use in identifying and responding to
water contamination. It includes drinking
water and wastewater treatment and
infrastructure decontamination methods.
WCIT also features tools to assess risk
associated with contamination, and
conduct enhanced searches of the WCIT
database.

Laboratories

WCIT includes more than 200 analytical methods
associated with more than 800 contaminants. In
addition, WCIT provides methods for collecting field
samples and analyses of unregulated contaminants.
The methods are available as a PDF or via a hyperlink.
WCIT flags methods included in EPA's Selected
Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation
and Recovery (SAM), which identifies methods for
use following a homeland security event (for more
information, visit http://www2.epa.gov/homeland-
security-research/sam).

State Primacy
Agencies

State Primacy Agencies
can use WCIT to support
local response to a
contamination incident by
obtaining information on:

•	First aid.

•	Medical treatments and
toxicity values.

•	Field detection and
analysis.

Public Health Agencies	'

Valuable 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
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fact sheets and International Chemical Safety Cards.

Federal Officials

Officials can access
the same contaminant
information that utilities
use. An enhanced search
feature allows searching
across all data tables.

This is especially important for federal
officials who have a broad scope of Water
Sector responsibilities. WCIT also references federal
regulations, values and standards, including maximum
contaminant levels and health advisories.

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Did you know?

As an all hazards response tool, WCIT can be used in response to natural, intentional or unintentional
contamination incidents. WCIT can also be used to support preparedness planning and training,
detection and recovery.

Comprehensive Contaminant Information

WCIT contains detailed profiles for contaminants describing the
physical properties, the contaminants' behavior in water and
potential health effects. This information can be accessed
through toolbars, menus and a Google-like search function.
WCIT is updated on an ongoing basis as new information or
contaminants warrant inclusion.

WCIT Tools

EPA incorporated a number of resources to assist WCIT users in
planning or responding to water contamination incidents. These
tools include:

•	CBR Advisor

An interactive expert system that supports real-time responses
to contamination incidents; also serves as an individual or group
training tool.

•	SAM

Methods included for use by those laboratories tasked with
performing confirmatory analyses or in support of remediation
and recovery efforts.

•	Information Officer Report

Provides contaminant-specific information to assist in
communicating with the public.

•	Training Video

Demonstrates uses of WCIT.

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 and laboratory methods.

•	Drinking water and wastewater
treatment.

•	Environmental impacts.

•	Infrastructure decontamination.

Did you know?

WCIT contains an Information
Officer Report! This function is
ideal for generating summary
information for inclusion in press
releases or announcements.

Register for WCIT

Registering for WCIT is easy and free. To apply for access, visit http://www2.epa.gov/waterdata/
water-contaminant-information-tool-registration 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.

For more information on WCIT, visit http://www2.epa.gov/waterdata/water-
contaminant-information-tool-wcit or send an email to WCIT@epa.gov.

Office of Water (4608-T) | EPA 817-F-15-026 | November 2015

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