Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about water treatment agents and what they do

Chemicals for water treatment vary according to need, so you need to know what you want out of your water before you can find out which water treatment chemical will get the job done. Remember, too, that the Federal government legislates which contaminants a water supplier must remove from drinking water.

I recommend: The National Drinking Water Clearinghouse has technical briefs on water treatment chemicals available for free. These briefs tell you what different water treatment substances do to the water they treat. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posts a list of the contaminants the government says a water supplier must remove as well as acceptable levels of each contaminant.

Research the water treatment chemicals that will do what you want

Now that you know what you don't want in your water, you need to decide how to make sure those substances stay out of your drinking water supply. Temper any zeal for removing something from your water with safety.

I recommend: The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certifies drinking water treatment chemicals. NSF, an independent and non-governmental agency, develops standards in use worldwide; so if NSF certifies a water treatment chemical (or a waste water treatment chemical), you should feel reasonably safe using it as well. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) also maintains standards that cover every facet of water treatment, from designing a water treatment plant to wastewater treatment chemicals. You can search those standards online or purchase a complete set.

Locate a water treatment chemical company that offers the chemicals you need

Now you know what contaminants you need to remove from your water and what water treatment chemicals will remove them. The next step? Find a water treatment chemical distributor.

I recommend: The National Association of Chemical Distributors can help you find a water treatment chemical distributor. You can also get a list of industrial water treatment companies at US Water News.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you shop for water chemical treatment solutions, look at water quality testing services as well. Remember that you, not the water treatment chemical supplier, bear the ultimate responsibility for your system's drinking water quality.