EPA Issues New Checklist to Help Utilities Proactively Strengthen Drinking Water Systems 

On August 13, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a guidance document intended to help state partners ensure public water systems continue to meet drinking water standards. The action supports proactive steps to strengthen drinking water systems and affirms the role of states as co-regulators under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA characterized the resource as an easy-to-use checklist to assist states in assessing systems and protecting drinking water.

The guidance centers on identifying, tracking, and addressing systemic issues—problems that could lead to service disruptions if a failure occurs. Examples cited include demand in source water nearing capacity, malfunctioning treatment equipment, and frequent water main breaks. EPA noted that such issues are often identified during routine public water system assessments and can be resolved before drinking water is jeopardized.

EPA encourages state agencies to document and address concerns found during sanitary surveys so they do not become systemic or endanger public health. The voluntary guidance provides a series of checklists that state agencies may use to identify and document systemic issues at public water systems. The checklists are intended to supplement existing sanitary survey programs rather than create new processes or additional burden, and the document includes recommendations for long-term resolution.

Industry stakeholders expressed support for the resource. The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators said the Systemic Issues Checklist, developed in partnership with states and EPA, offers a practical framework to bolster sanitary survey programs, strengthen system resilience, and promote continuous improvement across drinking water utilities of all sizes. The group said the tool will help primacy agencies and public water systems identify and address challenges before they become risks to service reliability or public health.

EPA positioned the checklist alongside its technical assistance and financing programs. The Real Water TA initiative focuses on hands-on assistance for communities and water systems working to address infrastructure challenges or funding needs. This year, EPA announced more than $6.5 billion in funding for states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to help water systems achieve the health protection objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The agency also highlighted approximately $11 billion in flexible financing available through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan program to support water infrastructure projects across the country, including in small and rural communities. WIFIA can finance up to 80 percent of project costs. These programs support state and local efforts to upgrade and maintain water infrastructure.

According to EPA, the Systemic Issues Checklist is available on the agency’s sanitary survey page and on the Safe Drinking Water Act capacity development state resources webpage. For additional information, inquiries can be directed to the EPA Press Office at press@epa.gov. The news release was last updated on August 13, 2026.