Know Your Environment. Protect Your Health.
Water is important to life. Recreational waters (lakes, rivers, beaches, and streams) bring joy, connection, and wellbeing to our communities. Fish are a valuable source of nutrition. These are not just resources. They are part of how we live, celebrate, and nourish ourselves and our families.
And yet the water we drink, the water we play in, and the fish we eat can also carry substances that affect our health. Most are invisible. You cannot see them, smell them, or taste them. Understanding both the benefits and the risks helps you make informed decisions. Not to avoid these resources, but to enjoy them as safely as possible.
This resource walks you through three ways you can come into contact with harmful substances: drinking water, recreational waters (water used for swimming and play), and fish consumption (eating fish). It provides practical steps to help you understand and protect your health.
Drinking Water
Access to safe drinking water is important to good health. Whether your water comes from a public system or a private well, understanding what may be in it is the first step toward protecting yourself and your family.
Where Your Water Comes From Matters
Public Water Supply
If you get water from a public utility (a company or government agency that provides water), Consumer Confidence Reports (yearly reports about your water quality) are your starting point. These reports include information about your water source, substances that were found, water quality results, and whether the water meets health standards. Most utilities post these on their websites. If you cannot find yours, contact your utility directly.
Private Well
If you rely on a private well, your water is not regulated the same way public water is, making regular testing especially important. Testing requirements, available support, and resources vary by state and jurisdiction. Contact your health department to learn what testing options, programs, and guidance are available in your area.
Schools and Child Care Facilities
Children can be particularly sensitive to substances in drinking water. Testing requirements for schools and child care facilities vary by state. Check with your state health department or school district to understand what testing requirements and support programs apply in your area.
If something is found in your water, here is what you can do:
Limit exposure (contact with harmful substances), especially for children, pregnant people, and older adults. Consider using a different water source while you look into the problem. Test regularly to keep track of levels over time. Use a certified (officially approved) filter and maintain it according to the manufacturer's guidance. Always make sure a filter is certified to remove the specific substance of concern.
Remember: You cannot see, smell, or taste most substances in water. The only way to truly know what is there is to test.
Helpful Resources
Find your Consumer Confidence Report: EPA Consumer Confidence Reports
Filter certification search: NSF International Certified Products
Learn about drinking water health standards: EPA Drinking Water Standards
Find your health department: ASTHO State Health Department Directory
Recreational Water
Lakes, rivers, beaches, and streams are places where communities gather, children play, and people find rest and peace. Recreational waters support physical activity, emotional health, and cultural traditions across communities nationwide.
Water quality in these spaces can change. Heavy rainfall, storms, agricultural runoff, and other environmental factors can temporarily affect the safety of recreational waters. Staying informed helps you plan the best times to enjoy your favorite spots without avoiding them altogether.
What to Watch For
Public Water Supply
If you get water from a public utility (a company or government agency that provides water), Consumer Confidence Reports (yearly reports about your water quality) are your starting point. These reports include information about your water source, substances that were found, water quality results, and whether the water meets health standards. Most utilities post these on their websites. If you cannot find yours, contact your utility directly.
Private Well
If you rely on a private well, your water is not regulated the same way public water is, making regular testing especially important. Testing requirements, available support, and resources vary by state and jurisdiction. Contact your health department to learn what testing options, programs, and guidance are available in your area.
Schools and Child Care Facilities
Children can be particularly sensitive to substances in drinking water. Testing requirements for schools and child care facilities vary by state. Check with your state health department or school district to understand what testing requirements and support programs apply in your area.
If something is found in your water, here is what you can do:
Limit exposure (contact with harmful substances), especially for children, pregnant people, and older adults. Consider using a different water source while you look into the problem. Test regularly to keep track of levels over time. Use a certified (officially approved) filter and maintain it according to the manufacturer's guidance. Always make sure a filter is certified to remove the specific substance of concern.
Remember: You cannot see, smell, or taste most substances in water. The only way to truly know what is there is to test.
Helpful Resources
Find your Consumer Confidence Report: EPA Consumer Confidence Reports
Filter certification search: NSF International Certified Products
Learn about drinking water health standards: EPA Drinking Water Standards
Find your health department: ASTHO State Health Department Directory