Addressing Contamination of Drinking Water Distribution Systems after Wildfires

EPA has published a fact sheet of best practices for drinking water utilities to consider in cases when distribution systems have been contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a result of wildfires. As EPA notes, VOCs like benzene were found in the drinking water for towns impacted by the 2017 Tubbs Fire and the 2018 Camp Fire in California, posing a potential health risk for consumers and loss of consumer confidence. The fact sheet derives much of its examination of the issue and recommendations from these experiences. It specifically discusses:

• How drinking water distribution systems may get contaminated after wildfires
• Sampling and analysis considerations to identify contamination
• Various options to address contamination

Access the fact sheet at EPA or below.