Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Pro Tips Must Know Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Requirements
The SDWA applies to every public water system in the United States. The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations are the primary standards and treatment techniques that apply to public water systems. These regulations set the enforceable MCLs for particular contaminants in drinking water and specify required methods for removing contaminants. Types of Public Water Systems The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has defined three types of public water systems: Community Water System (CWS): A public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round. Non-Transient Non-Community Water System (NTNCWS): A public water system that regularly supplies water to at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year. Some examples are schools, factories, office buildings, and hospitals which have their own water systems. Transient Non-Community Water System (TNCWS): A public water system that provides water in a place such as a gas station or campground where people do not remain for long periods of time. Types of Individual Water Systems The EPA has defined three types of individual water systems: Privately owned home or farm wells, springs, cisterns, or surface water sources Streams, ponds, or shallow wells not intended for drinking Bottled water and water vending machines Waterborne Diseases Natural disasters, particularly flooding, can severely impact access to safe water and sanitation, leading to an increased risk of waterborne diseases, especially in developing countries. Diarrheal diseases are among the most common health issues following natural disasters, with outbreaks caused by various pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae , enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli , Salmonella enterica serotype Paratyphi A , and Cryptosporidium parvum . These outbreaks have been documented in several countries, including Bangladesh, West Bengal, and Indonesia. In addition to diarrheal diseases, hepatitis A and E, which are transmitted through the fecal-oral route, are also associated with a lack of access to safe water and sanitation. Hepatitis E outbreaks are particularly prevalent following heavy rains and floods in endemic areas. Leptospirosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease, can also pose a significant health risk after flooding events. This disease can be transmitted through direct contact with water contaminated by rodent urine, and outbreaks have been reported in various countries following flood events.
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