Who has the responsibility in my community for my drinking water?

You can check your water bill or call your local public health department for information about the water utility that serves your community. Also, most larger cities in the U.S. have a public utilities office that can answer consumer questions.

Where can I get information about violations at my drinking water system?

Drinking water violations at your drinking water system are listed on EPA's website.

Where can I get information about national drinking water standards?

National health-based drinking water standards are listed on EPA's website.

How can I get information about my drinking water from EPA, Region 6?

You can contact Blake L. Atkins, Chief of the Drinking Water Section, at (214) 665-7155, who is responsible for oversight of the Region 6 State Drinking Water programs.

Each State in the Region has an EPA Drinking Water Coordinator:

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What if I have my own private drinking water well?

EPA does not regulate private wells, although some state and local governments do set rules to protect users of these wells. EPA encourages these households to take special precautions to ensure the protection and maintenance of their drinking water supplies. Ensuring that these sources provide safe drinking water is the responsibility of the well owner. EPA has guidance for private domestic well owners available on it's web site.

Where can I get information about drinking water in my State?

All States within EPA Region 6 have contacts to whom you can address questions. These contacts are:

Arkansas Department of Health
Harold Seifert - (501) 661-2623

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Karen Irion - (225) 765-5054

New Mexico Environment Department
Jim Perry - (505) 827-1400, #1019

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Mike Harrell - (405) 702-8158

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Buck Henderson - (512) 239-0990

Who do I contact in Region 6 about the Source Water Assessment and Protection Programs?

EPA Region 6 SWAP Coordinator
Ken Williams
(214) 665-7129

Who do I contact in Region 6 for drinking water rules and regulations or program areas?

EPA Region 6 Drinking Water contacts are listed by going to the links below:

Drinking Water Rules (PDF) (21 KB, 1 page, About PDF)

Drinking Water Programs/ Initiatives (PDF)  (26 KB, 3 pp, About PDF)

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Where do I get information related to water system security or homeland security?

This information can be found at:

EPA Region 6 Homeland Security

National Water Infrastructure Security

Where can I obtain drinking water information on tribal lands?

Information on the tribal source water assessment reports and the tribal drinking water laboratory results are available on the R6 website.

• New Mexico Environmental Finance Center Technical Assistance
• EPA Tribal Drinking Water Resources
• EPA American Indian Environmental Office

Where can I find information about Drinking Water Week?

The American Water Works Association, an organization of drinking water professionals, has promoted Drinking Water Week for the past 30 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is participating as a member of the National Drinking Water Week Alliance. This group is responsible for heightening the awareness of drinking water issues during a week long observance, which always falls the first full week of May. This week is an annual time that water providers and their communities recognize the vital role of water in our daily life.

The EPA has educational materials supporting this week. The EPA Region 6 Office promotes this awareness by participating in local activities to enhance this awareness to elementary through high school students.

Where can I obtain additional information about drinking water?

Additional information is available from many sources. Some excellent resources include the following:

"Water on Tap: A Consumer's Guide to the Nation's Drinking Water." This 1997 EPA publication provides more than 20 pages of frequently asked questions and answers about drinking water, and provides additional resources to learn more about drinking water in your area. Copies are available through EPA Region 6 (214) 665-7155; or the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (see following).

The Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791, can answer general and specific questions about drinking water.

Information about Drinking Water Regulations and links to other sites related to drinking water are available through the EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water Web site.

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