On Monday, August 16, 2010, the Partnership, in conjunction with EPA Region 3, hosted a listening session on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Drinking Water Strategy at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. A summary of the session is now available.

EPA Administrator, Lisa P. Jackson, announced earlier this year that the EPA would be seeking a new approach to drinking water and public health protection, including conversations on addressing contaminants in groups, improving drinking water technology, and more effectively addressing potential risks. The August 16th  session will focus on two elements of the proposed strategy – “address contaminants as groups rather than one at a time so that enhancement of drinking water protection can be achieved cost-effectively” and “foster development of new drinking water technologies to address health risks posed by a broad array of contaminants.” The purpose of the listening session is to obtain feedback from the audience on their perspectives and ideas on possible approaches to implement the Drinking Water Strategy.

EPA has sought advice from the National Drinking Water Advisory Council and is planning to consult with the Science Advisory Board’s Drinking Water Committee regarding the proposed Strategy. Additionally, the Agency has received input through a Web Dialogue. To see the Web Dialogue discussions and summary highlights, visit www.webdialogues.net/epa/dwcontaminantgroups and click on the “Discussions” tab.