The Public Notification Handbook provides guidance to the states, public water systems, and the general public concerning how EPA interprets its revised public notification regulations. This document does not, however, substitute for the public notification regulations, nor is it a regulation itself. Thus, it cannot impose legally binding requirements on EPA, states or water suppliers and may not apply to a particular situation. This document is not intended, nor it can be relied upon, to create any rights enforceable by any party in litigation with the United States. EPA may decide to follow the guidance based on its analysis of the specific facts present. This guidance may be revised without public notice to reflect changes in EPA's approach to implementing public notice, or to clarify and update text.

Issued June 2000. "EPA/816-R-00-010." "June 2000." "The Handbook will assist water systems in implementing the revised public notification regulation published in the Federal Register on May 4, 2000 (65FR25981)."