What is a drinking water PAG?

The drinking water Protective Action Guide (PAG) is a health-based value that can be used in the event of an emergency to determine when alternative drinking water should be provided and the use of contaminated water supplies be restricted. The drinking water PAG defines doses of radiation that should be avoided during an emergency event. They do not represent acceptable routine exposures.  PAGs apply to emergency situations only. They trigger safety measures—in this case, provision of alternative drinking water—to keep doses to the public as low as possible.

How does the drinking water PAG work with EPA’s existing Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations?

The drinking water PAG is non-regulatory guidance for emergency situations only. Immediately following a radiological incident, community water systems must return to compliance with EPA’s Radionuclides Rule. Public water suppliers will be required to take corrective measures to meet radionuclide standards as soon as practicable. For more information, see Radionuclides Rule: A Quick Reference Guide.

How will my children and I be protected during a radiological emergency?

• Emergency responders, state and local authorities have emergency plans in place to protect public health by helping individuals avoid doses of radiation.
• State or local government officials will take reasonable precautionary measures to protect water supplies as soon as they are aware of the radiological incident.
• Public water suppliers are expected to be in close communication with their state/local officials.
• The drinking water PAG can be used to inform decisions about continued use of contaminated water for drinking purposes and to inform decisions to provide alternative drinking water for the affected community.

At what point and what concentrations will I be told to stop drinking tap water during a radiological emergency?

State and local officials will make decisions about continued use of tap water based upon the conditions on-site during a radiological emergency.  The proposed drinking water PAG provides information they will consider, including two scientifically-based levels to be avoided (100 mrem for infants, children aged 15 and under, pregnant women and nursing women; 500 mrem for anyone over age 15 excluding pregnant women and nursing women) for periods up to one year. Since this is only guidance, the levels selected by your state or local officials will depend on the type and severity of the incident. You may not be instructed to stop drinking tap water. Your water department—in coordination with state/local officials and emergency managers—may choose to either use water from storage tanks that have not been impacted by radiation, purchase water from a neighboring town, transport water in tanker trucks or provide bottled water to the community.