Thursday, March 28, 2024

EPA promotes data accessibility with drinking water mapping application

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a new online mapping tool, the Drinking Water Mapping Application to Protect Source Waters (DWMAPS), which provides information about watersheds, water sources and water suppliers.

“A key part of having safe drinking water is protecting the sources — the streams, rivers, and lakes where utilities withdraw water,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said. “DWMAPS is the latest example of how EPA is using technology and digital tools to better protect public health and the environment."

The application is a useful tool for the public, water system operators, state programs and federal agencies, allowing users to easily access data such as potential sources of contamination. Users can also determine where emergency response resources are needed based on accidental spills and releases, and source information to support assessments and plans related to source water.

The EPA also anticipates that DWMAPS will be used by federal, state and local agencies to integrate drinking water protection activities with other programs and by the public to determine how they can assist in protecting their communities’ drinking water sources.

The EPA developed the application with assistance from drinking water programs, drinking water regulators and public water systems. DWMAPS is available on the EPA’s website.