EPA issues new checklist to strengthen drinking water systems
On Aug. 13, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an important guidance document for state partners to ensure public water systems are meeting drinking water standards. EPA developed this checklist to help state agencies identify, track and address systemic issues. Systemic issues are problems that could eventually lead to a disruption of water services if a failure were to occur. Such challenges could include demand in source water nearing capacity, malfunctioning treatment equipment or frequent water main breaks.
“Public Water Systems provide essential clean and safe drinking water that their residents, schools, hospitals, businesses, commercial centers and industry rely on,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Jess Kramer. “EPA must work seamlessly with state co-regulators to ensure drinking water is meeting federal standards and today we are helping our states assess water systems and protect drinking water with this new checklist.”
