ABSTRACT
Everyone must drink water to sustain life so there is a genuine public concern about possible health risks in the public water supply. While it is easy for consumers to recognize poor-quality water that is turbid, off-color, odorous, and unpleasant tasting, it is impossible for them to judge the pathogenic dangers in otherwise acceptable water. This responsibility is delegated to public health authorities and water treatment professionals. Public trust in this mandate can be shaken by news reports on waterborne health hazards or by repeated public notifications of local noncompliance with federal drinking water regulations. Various polls taken in recent years reveal some insights into public thinking on water quality issues, and, most importantly, on the sources of their information. Based on a consumer attitude survey dealing with water quality issues conducted by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation, most people believe their local tap water meets or exceeds federal drinking water standards.
