A Citizen Science Approach to Evaluating Consumer Water Safety Concerns (2011-2022)

Citizen science is utilized by the water industry to collect samples under the provisions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper Rule. Citizen science was also used in Washington, DC; Flint, MI; St. Joseph, LA; and elsewhere to contradict official messaging regarding water safety, leading to increased media coverage, declared water emergencies, and financial relief. Herein, we share our team's process for engaging citizens, including a retrospective analysis of outcomes and lessons learned for the small percentage of cases in which citizen concerns were confirmed.