Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
An annual water quality report that every public water system must send to customers — showing which contaminants were detected, at what levels, and whether any violations occurred.
How It Works
The CCR (also called a Water Quality Report or Annual Drinking Water Quality Report) is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Every community water system serving year-round residents must publish and distribute a CCR by July 1 each year, covering the previous calendar year's testing results. The CCR lists every contaminant tested for, detected levels, the MCL, likely sources of contamination, and any violations. CCRs must be delivered to customers (by mail, email, or web posting with notice). Despite being the primary source of water quality information for consumers, studies show most people never read their CCR. IsWaterSafe uses the underlying data behind CCRs — the EPA's SDWIS database — to provide easier-to-understand water quality information.
Related Terms
- Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — The highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water — set by the EPA and enforceable by law. Exceeding the MCL triggers a health-based violation.
- Health-Based Violation — The most serious type of drinking water violation — indicating that water quality has exceeded a maximum contaminant level or failed to meet a treatment requirement that directly protects health.
- SDWIS (Safe Drinking Water Information System) — The EPA database that tracks every public water system in the United States — violations, enforcement actions, contaminant levels, and system characteristics.
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About This Definition
This definition is part of the IsWaterSafe Drinking Water Safety Glossary — 22 terms explaining water contaminants, treatment methods, and safety standards. Written for homeowners, renters, journalists, and public health professionals.