The discovery that asbestiform fibers occurred in the Duluth, Minnesota drinking water supply caused considerable official and public concern. Advice was given that use of the water should be curtailed especially for children. The Army Corps of Engineers provided specially filtered water for anyone who wanted to use such. When it was learned that Duluth was not a unique situation and that other drinking water supplies also contained asbestiform fibers, it was expected that the provision of specially filtered water might also be done in other cities. At one time it was proposed that bottled water be provided to the residents of Boston because of concern about the lead content of the drinking water. Little is known about the use of such emergency water supply and if the practice is to continue it would seem desirable to measure the public's reaction and use of the water provided. Such information would aid in the provision of the emergency water supply and encouraging the public use of the water provided.