Drinking Water Requirements for States and Public Water Systems

Public Notification Rule Compliance Help for Water System Owners and Operators

This page provides resources for drinking water system owners and operators. The following documents will assist you in complying with the requirements of the Public Notification (PN) rule. 

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For help completing a public notice:

  • Access the Public Notification Handbook and Public Notice templates (available in Microsoft Word) below; or
  • Contact your state for guidance and templates.

Public Notification Rule Handbooks

EPA has developed two public notification handbooks to help with implementation of the PN Rule. The Revised Public Notification Handbook is for community water systems & non-transient non-community water systems. The Public Notification Handbook for Transient Non-community Water Systems if for transient systems. These documents are for Public Water Systems.

Microsoft Word files of Public Notice Templates

These templates can be used and customized by drinking water systems to ensure they meet PN content requirements.

Communication Tips

This fact sheet will discuss the importance of communicating with the public about chronic contaminants – both regulated and unregulated. It includes some questions to think about, ideas on how to reach out to customers and best practices for effective communication.


For more information, please see the Public Notification Rule page.

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