Drinking Water

Director's Orders 83 is the governing document that describes the Public Health Program expectations of Park Managers. The requirements outlined in DO 83 are in keeping with the requirements as set forth in the Management Policies of the National Park Service, GPRAct requirements and the NPS Strategic Plan(large file).

Reference Manual 83(A1) provides detailed guidance on compliance with the mandates of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). In addition to the federal mandates under the SWDA, there may be other state and local regulations that may impact drinking water system operation and park liability that should be considered. The National Park Service is committed to being a "good neighbor" within the respective states and compliance with these additional regulation is mandatory.

For further guidance on state and local regulatory requirements, contact your state drinking water representative.

News

Norovirus isn't just for Cruise Ships!

"Stomach-flu" causing norovirus can happen anywhere anytime and when it does, hundreds of people can get sick.

The symptoms of norovirus infection are nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. Symptoms are usually brief and last only 1 or 2 days. However, during that brief period, people can feel very ill and vomit, often violently and without warning, many times a day.

Norovirus is easy to catch but easy to prevent. To find out more please see:

Norovirus - General Information
Norovirus - Response and Cleanup
Norovirus - Frequently Asked Questions

Policy and Guidelines

RM83(A1) - Drinking Water

RM83(A2) - Generic Cross-Connection Control

RM83(F) - Backcountry

General Information

Recommended Training