Risk and Efficacy in Communication About Contaminants in Drinking Water

Abstract Recognizing the public health stakes, the United States Congress significantly amended the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1996 to highlight the importance of public information and risk communication. Yet, communication of contaminant risks in drinking water is difficult given changing water quality standards, the uncertain science about the health risks of long-term exposure, and the relative risk of different water contaminants. This chapter provides an overview of research on communication of contaminants in water and then reviews risk communication and behavior change theories, such as the Extended Parallel Process Model and Stages of Change, to evaluate their applicability to drinking water-risk communication. We highlight per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) as a special case study with discussion of ways to frame messaging to lay audiences. Finally, based on the research reviewed, we offer recommendations specifically for professionals in roles where they need to communicate with the public about the risks of drinking water contaminants.