Water: Water Contaminant Information Tool
Science & TechnologyApplications & DatabasesProgram DatabasesWater Contaminant Information ToolWater Contaminant Information Tool
The Water Contaminant Information Tool (WCIT) is a secure, on-line database that provides information on chemical, biological, and radiological contaminants of concern for water security.
Access to this password-protected tool will be granted to select personnel from drinking water and wastewater utilities; State Primacy (primary enforcement) Agencies; federal officials (including government laboratory personnel); public health agencies; and water associations.
To apply for access to the WCIT database, visit: https://cdx.epa.gov/.
If you have already been granted access to the WCIT database, login at: https://cdx.epa.gov/SSL/cdx/login.asp.
- What is a "contaminant of concern for water security?"
- How will the WCIT database help enhance water security?
- Who will have access to the WCIT database?
- Where can I find training materials for the WCIT database?
- Where can I find the latest news about WCIT?
- Who should I contact for more information concerning WCIT?
What is a "contaminant of concern for water security?"
Contaminants of concern for water security are those contaminants that may or may not be regulated, but could pose a significant threat to public health if accidentally or intentionally introduced into drinking water. The WCIT database includes some contaminants that are not regulated because they are not typically found in drinking water, but could cause harm if intentionally introduced into a drinking water system.
How will the WCIT database help enhance water security?
The WCIT database assists in planning for and responding to drinking water and wastewater contamination threats and incidents. As a planning tool, WCIT supports vulnerability assessments, emergency response plans, and site-specific response guidelines. As a response tool, WCIT provides contaminant data to help responders (including utilities) make appropriate response decisions. WCIT also helps EPA to identify gaps in contaminant data, which will, in turn, help inform future research efforts.
- For additional information on the applications of WCIT see: Ways to use WCIT - Application of WCIT data.
Who will have access to the WCIT database?
Access to this password-protected tool will be granted to personnel from drinking water and wastewater utilities, State Primacy (primary enforcement) Agencies, and federal officials (including government laboratory personnel). EPA is granting access to these individuals because they represent the primary organizations that will be involved in water contamination planning and response. In addition, these groups have the necessary expertise to accurately interpret the data in the database. EPA may grant access to other types of users in the future depending on the need. In addition, one representative from each of the following associations will be granted WCIT:
- National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA)
- National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
- Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA)
- Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA)
- National Association of Water Companies (NAWC)
- Water Environment Federation (WEF)
- AWWA Research Foundation (AwwaRF)
- American Public Works Association (APWA)
- National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO)
- Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)
- Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA)
Where can I find training materials for the WCIT database?
EPA provides a range of training materials for WCIT users. The list below provides links to existing resources. Materials under development will be linked as they are completed.
- Training presentation slides (Under development)
- Expanded scenarios presentation slides (Under development)
- Table top exercises (Under development)
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.
Where can I find the latest news about WCIT?
- Fact Sheet: Water Contaminant Information Tool - A Robust Tool for the Water Sector PDF (2 pp, 287K)
Whom should I contact for more information concerning the WCIT database?
For more information, please email the WCIT database help desk (wcit@csc.com).