Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports

History

The federal government began regulation of the nation’s drinking water quality with the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 (two years after the Clean Water Act was enacted for the protection of water quality in rivers and streams).  Since then, the SDWA has been amended numerous times.  

The 1996 amendments are known for their emphasis on public accountability and the consumer’s right to know about their drinking water, including:  who provides it; where it comes from; what’s in it; and how they can learn more about it and influence its management.  Key features included annual reporting of water quality through consumer confidence reports (CCRs) by July 1^st of the following year, and establishment of a safe drinking water hotline.  Following passage of the 1996 SDWA amendment, the EPA formalized the CCR Rule in August 1998, and utilities began delivering CCRs to their customers in 1999.  

Purpose and Content

As a customer, CCRs are your first stop for information about: the source of your drinking water; how it is treated; whether contaminants regulated (or proposed for regulation) by the EPAS have been detected in it; how the quantities of the detected parameters compare to maximum levels established to protect human health; and any potential health risks.  In addition, they provide resources for learning more about your water and influencing how it is managed by the City.  Finally, in Washington, CCRs provide accountability as to the efficient use of the City’s water supplies.  We consider them a primary communication tool for equipping you with information and maintaining your trust. 

Like many other water utilities under the CCR Rule, the City of Arlington first reported on the quality of its drinking water in 1999 (for the 1998 calendar year).  The archive below provides access to each annual report prepared by the City.