While much of the drinking water in the United States is safe for consumption, protecting its quality and assuring its availability are becoming increasingly difficult. This booklet is written for individuals and groups who are concerned about the drinking water in their communities. It provides a general introduction to the complex issues of water management and protection with guidelines for public participation. Specific sections of the document address: (1) water quality standards and sources of contamination; (2) adverse health effects of various pollutants; (3) how drinking water standards are set; (4) drinking water treatment; (5) supply and conservation; (6) water management practices; (7) Federal legislation; (8) innovative state programs (from Florida, New Jersey, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and California); (9) guidelines for community action; (10) water testing; (11) home treatment; and (12) bottled water. A comprehensive list of references on each topic is included. (TW)