Know where your water comes from and how it is treated to help you take steps to avoid illness.
Tap water can get contaminated by human or animal poop, chemicals, or other sources.
Take steps at home and while traveling to avoid getting sick from drinking water.
Keep your well water safe with proper well construction and continued maintenance.
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Avoid germs in water pipes and devices by taking steps like flushing faucets and cleaning devices.
Download, use, and share fact sheets and social media about how to avoid getting sick from water.
Most U.S. tap water comes from reservoirs, lakes, rivers, or water under the ground.
Water utilities remove harmful germs and chemicals from water to make it safe to drink.
Test your water and choose a filter that removes the germs or chemicals you are concerned about.
If you are not sure if water is safe to drink, boil it or use another method to remove germs.
Recycled (reused) tap water must meet safe drinking water standards.