Consumer Confidence Report

Community water systems (CWS) are required to prepare and distribute a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also known as an annual drinking water quality report, to all of their customers and service connections. The CCR summarizes information of a full calendar year of operation regarding source water, detected contaminants, compliance, and educational information. CWSs must submit a CCR Certification Form to DEC DW Program confirming the CCR has been distributed to customers.

Annual Deadlines

July 1-annual distribution of CCR to customers and DEC DW Program.
October 1-annual submission of proof of distribution to DEC DW Program.

Goals

Increase consumer knowledge of drinking water sources, quality, susceptibility to contamination, treatment, and drinking water supply management.
Increase awareness of consumers to potential health risks so they can make informed decisions to reduce those risks, including taking steps toward protecting their water supply.
Increase understanding of the value of drinking water and water supply services and to facilitate consumer participation in decisions that affect public health.

Content Requirements

Water System Information – Name/phone number of a contact person; information on public participation opportunities.
Source(s) of Water – Type; commonly used names.
Definitions – Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL); MCL Goal (MCLG); Treatment Technique (TT); Action Level (AL); Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL); MRDL Goal (MRDLG).
Detected Contaminants – A table summarizing reported concentrations and relevant MCLs and MCLGs or MRDLs and MRDLGs; known source of detected contaminants; health effects language.
Information on Monitoring for Cryptosporidium, Radon, and Other Contaminants (if detected).
Compliance with Other Drinking Water Regulations – Any violations and Ground Water Rule (GWR) special notices.
Variances and Exemptions (if applicable).
Required Educational Information – Explanation of contaminants in drinking water and bottled water; information to vulnerable populations about Cryptosporidium; statements on nitrate, arsenic, and lead.

Delivery

Each CWS must mail or otherwise directly deliver one copy of the CCR to each customer no later than July 1. CWS must submit the CCR Certification Form no later than October 1 to the DEC DW Program or within 3 months that the CCR has been distributed to customers. CWS serving 100,000 or more persons must also post its current year’s report on a publicly accessible site on the Internet. Each CWS must make its reports available to the public upon request.