Most Americans get their drinking water from large scale municipal water systems that rely on surface water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. However, millions of Americans depend on private water sources such as wells and aquifers. In either case, the United States enjoys one of the cleanest drinking water supplies in the world. The EPA regulates the quality of the nation's drinking water by issuing and enforcing safe drinking water standards. EPA also protects the nation's drinking water by safeguarding our watersheds and regulating the release of pollutants into the environment. In partnership with local authorities and community groups, the Agency encourages water conservation. EPA also works with these partners to develop contingency plans for source contamination and other water emergencies.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Local Drinking Water Information
  Provides local drinking water information for each state.
• Ground Water and Drinking Water Homepage
  This is the home page for the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
• Water on Tap: What You Need to Know
  This booklet provides information on the nation's drinking water.