Communication Resources for Small Drinking Water Systems

Communication is important to convey water system and community needs among decision makers and customers. The documents below explain how to effectively communicate drinking water issues to customers and decision makers.

• Talking to Your Customers About Chronic Contaminants in Drinking Water: A Best Practices Guide (pdf) (369.86 KB, October 2007, EPA 816-F-07-022)
  This fact sheet will help you understand the importance of communicating with the public about chronic contaminants; both regulated and unregulated.
• Talking to Your Decision Makers: A Best Practices Guide (pdf) (105.34 KB, September 2006, EPA 816-F-06-034)
  This Guide is intended for operators and owners of community water systems serving fewer than 10,000 persons.
• CDC's Drinking Water Advisory Communication Toolbox - This toolbox is a guide to help water systems effectively communicate with partners and the public about water advisories. The research-based toolbox focuses on different situations that cause water systems to issue drinking water advisories including water main breaks, drops in pressure, flooding, hurricanes, or intentional contamination.
• Capacity Building Through Effective Meaningful Engagement. This document is intended to assist local and state government officials create or expand meaningful community engagement plans.