£% J& United States Environmental Protection r^. Agency 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. ------- 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 ------- |