Changes in the drinking water utility industry are being driven by state and federal regulations and general advances in science and technology. These changes are forcing the industry to reexamine much of the knowledge one has taken for granted especially when writing or rewriting regulations. The need for sound information presents a real challenge to the research community. Establishments of a new type of relationship between federal and non-federal organizations has been made possible by the passage of the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986. The stakes are so high and time so short, and the consequence of error so great that ultimately USEPA and the water utilities will be forced to work together to solve these difficult problems.