Tracking contaminants in drinking water
There is considerable interest in including human exposure to contaminants in drinking water in the environmental public health tracking network. In this project, we discuss conceptually the benefits and limitations of different approaches to tracking drinking water quality and examine the sources of water quality data that could be used to do so. The methods utilized included informal interviews with key informants coupled with relevant background research.
Key findings:
- The application of the tracking conceptual model and data integration methods can provide valuable information on the health threats posed by drinking water resources and how they can be prevented.
- Consideration of the scope and limitations of a study approach is a critical component of tracking method development.
- There is considerable promise for expanding the breadth of a tracking network to include ambient ground and surface water quality data.
- The development of methods for data sharing and integration is a key component of tracking network development.
- Fostering collaboration between and within states that includes the sharing of expertise, ideas, and resources can strengthen state programs and the development of a national environmental public health tracking network.
Reports
Rotkin-Ellman M, Kyle AD, Balmes JR. Assessment of options for tracking of drinking water contaminants and relevant data sources. September 2005. A working paper produced by the Berkeley Center for Environmental Public Health Tracking, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley. [PDF]
