Safe Water Resources

Reduce risk for waterborne illness outbreaks, drowning, and chemical poisoning at public pools and other aquatic venues with these free science-based guidelines.

Access resources to help communities with all phases of water advisories including guidance, recommendations, instructions, templates, and other tools.

Understand and prepare for drought in your community with this guide for public health professionals.

Develop an Emergency Water Supply Plan to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a total or partial interruption of health facilities’ normal water supply.

Learn how to assess the public health risks for using areas after a flood where potential exposure to microbial contamination exists.

Learn how CDC works with health departments to improve well water programs.

Explore Legionella resources for environmental health practitioners, including a Vital Signs report and infographic, environmental sampling videos, toolkit for developing a water management plan, and more.

Access recommended strategies for drinking water programs and activities to improve programmatic performance using the 10 Essential Environmental Public Health Services.

Strengthen the performance of your drinking water program to address problems with wells and other private drinking water sources in your community.

Improve your knowledge, skills, and resources to address the environmental health impacts of emergencies and disasters on potable water and waste water.

Access comprehensive workforce development resources for environmental public health practitioners with this free package of 15 e-learning courses, with topics including potable water, waste water, and swimming pools and recreational facilities.

Learn to create a water management program to reduce risk for Legionnaires’ disease.

Take CDC’s training for safer well water through stronger public health programs using the 10 Essential Environmental Public Health Services.

Explore our collection of resources around wastewater management research.

Read our water publications on such topics as wastewater management, waterborne disease outbreaks, drought, drinking water, recreational water, and global water.

On July 9, 2013, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease was identified at a Long-Term Care Facility in central Ohio. This article describes the investigation of the outbreak and identification of the source, a cooling tower using an automated biocide delivery system. EHS participated in the environmental assessment.

At the request of the Ohio Department of Health, EHS investigated the potential sources of water contamination on South Bass Island in 2004. Ohio asked for assistance because slightly more than 1,000 persons reported a sudden onset of symptoms that included diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and vomiting.