Both community and private sources of drinking water are susceptible to a myriad of chemical contaminants, biological pollutants and nuisance water problems that may vary depending on site conditions and other factors. Some of the more common chemical pollutants include pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum products, and industrial solvents. Some problem organisms, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and algae, cause nuisance problems with taste and odor while others are potential pathogens. Threats to drinking water quality come from animal and plant production agriculture, industrial activities and even activities around our businesses, residences, recreational areas and transportation systems.

Many U.S. citizens are becoming more concerned about potential health risks and nuisance problems associated with their drinking water, regardless of its source. The USDA-CSREES has identified Drinking Water and Human Health as a theme to focus research, education and extension activities. The Cooperative Extension (CE) network is unique in that it has a system of community-based educators carrying out public outreach education and can reach a very large audience due to its local contacts and its collaborations with numerous agencies, organizations, local communities and citizen groups. A primary goal of the Drinking Water and Human Health theme is to change attitudes and influence the adoption of behavioral patterns to protect drinking water. Throughout the US, CE is an integral part of Source Water Assessment and Protection Programs. CE has established many programs that deal with water monitoring, assessment, water conservation, and pollution prevention. Other valuable components include educating the public about water quality and what it means as well as how to deal with both health and nuisance issues in drinking water. The manure generated by animal production is currently receiving a great deal of attention in the water quality arena. While manure generated by livestock have historically been returned to the soil to improve its fertility, the concentration of large numbers of confined animals and increasing urban encroachment into agricultural areas have created several concerns.

The PNW Regional Water Quality Program provides a broad range of research-based educational materials devoted to drinking water and human health. These have been compiled and published in a 4-page informational flyer. View an HTML version of the educational materials here, or download the 11x17 informational PDF flyer here, or download the 4-page PDF version here.