EPA Renews Germ-Tracking Paperwork for America's Drinking Water
Published Date: 10/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The EPA is asking to extend its paperwork rules about germs in water, which helps keep our drinking water safe. This affects water companies and anyone who manages water safety, with no new costs but a chance to share thoughts by November 30, 2026. The EPA wants to keep collecting info to make sure water stays clean and healthy for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory Water System Paperwork Continues
If you run or manage a public water system, you must keep and report records required for the microbial drinking water regulations under 40 CFR parts 141 and 142. The EPA estimates 144,491 respondents, with a total annual burden of 14,873,334 hours and total annual costs of $988,370,000 (including $219,520,000 in annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs).
EPA Keeps Collecting Water Safety Data
The EPA is seeking to extend its information collection to support microbial drinking water regulations so it can continue monitoring and enforcing rules that help keep drinking water clean and healthy. The ICR is currently approved through October 31, 2026; the agency is asking for extension and is accepting comments through November 30, 2026.
Changes in Estimated Compliance Burden
The EPA reports a net decrease of 147,377 hours in estimated annual respondent burden compared with the currently approved ICR. This reflects a decrease of 187,587 hours for public drinking water system activities related to Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR) initial implementation, an increase of 4,129 hours for air carrier activities, and an increase of 36,081 hours for primacy agencies.
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