Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions

On May 15, 2024, the EPA announced the final Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions to make annual drinking water quality reports more understandable and accessible to the public. These reports are an important tool that drinking water systems use to inform residents about water quality and any contaminants that have been found in the water. Starting in 2027, the final rule will ensure that these reports are easier to read and support access to translations in appropriate languages while enhancing information about lead in drinking water. EPA is also taking steps to streamline the delivery of reports by encouraging electronic methods.

The final revised CCR rule will support public education by more clearly communicating important information in water quality reports and improving access to the reports. Water systems are currently required to provide annual drinking water reports to customers each year, and with this rule systems serving over 10,000 customers will be required to distribute reports twice per year. The final rule also introduces a new reporting requirement that will provide EPA with better information to make decisions on oversight, enforcement, regulatory revisions, and training and technical assistance. The final rule will require states to submit compliance monitoring data they already receive from public water systems to EPA annually. 

For questions related to the project, contact [email protected].

Final Revised CCR Rule Supporting Materials

• Federal Register Notice: Final Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule
• Pre-Publication Federal Register Notice: Final Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule (pdf) (734.3 KB, May 14, 2024)

Webinars

EPA will be hosting two informational webinars. One intended for the general public, and the second intended for water system professionals and states. The two webinars will be similar in content, each intended for specific audiences.

Dates and times to be announced, contact [email protected] to be notified when registration is available.

Background

A Consumer Confidence Report, sometimes called a “Drinking Water Quality Report,” summarizes information about the local drinking water. As part of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, Congress instructed EPA to revise the Consumer Confidence Report Rule. EPA's final rule will support the goal of the Safe Drinking Water Act “right-to-know” provisions by improving the Consumer Confidence Reports so that people can make better decisions about their drinking water. The final revised CCR Rule will work to further that goal by making sure important information in annual reports are accurate and accessible.

On March 28, 2023, EPA announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking revisions to the Consumer Confidence Rule. EPA requested public comment on the proposed regulation. The public comment period ended on May 22, 2023.  The final revised CCR Rule considers these public comments. Visit www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0260.

Proposed Rule Supporting Materials

• Federal Register Notice: National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions
• Fact Sheet: EPA's Proposed Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revisions (pdf) (188.7 KB, March 2023)
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule (pdf) (285.02 KB, March 2023)
• Informational webinar, April 12, 2023: General overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule
  • General overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule (pdf) (1.32 MB, April 12, 2023)
• Informational webinar, April 19, 2023: Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Primacy Agencies.
  • Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Primacy Agencies (pdf) (1.11 MB, April 19, 2023)
• Informational webinar, April 20, 2023: Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Drinking Water Professionals
  • Overview of proposed Revised Consumer Confidence Report Rule for Drinking Water Professionals (pdf) (1.08 MB, April 20, 2023)

Public Listening Session

EPA hosted a virtual public listening session on April 26, 2022. During the listening session, EPA shared information and provided opportunities for stakeholders to offer input on considerations related to the development of the proposed CCR rule revision.  More information is available at www.regulations.gov, Docket ID:  EPA-HQ-OW-2022-0260-0001. 

Watch the Public Listening Session here.

Additional CCR Rule Materials

• November 4, 2021 informational webinar: CCR Rule Revisions Background and Overview Webinar Slides 11.04.2021 (pdf) 
• December 14, 2021: NDWAC Letter to the Administrator on Consumer Confidence Report Rule Revision (pdf)
• CCR rule Delivery Options memorandum
• Fact Sheet: CCR Quick Reference Guide