How to Protect Yourself

Is your water safe? The company or municipal authority that supplies it is required by federal law to give you an analysis and disclose any violation of health standards. But even if you can trust the company, the report won't tell you what happens to the water in the dank recesses of your own plumbing system. The only way to know precisely what's coming out of your tap is to have your water tested. The EPA's Safe Drinking-Water Hotline (800-426-4791) offers names of testing laboratories in individual states. The hot line can also answer technical and health questions such as "How...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!