Drinking Water Protection

ERG works to protect our nation’s drinking water—from source to tap. Our scientists and engineers assess the quality and quantity of ground and surface water resources, evaluate point and nonpoint source pollution, and support reservoir and watershed planning and management. We inspect and survey water systems, research drinking water monitoring and operational data, and deploy licensed certified operators and samplers to evaluate water distribution systems and water efficiency operations. For over a decade, we have developed product specifications and certification programs for water-efficient products and practices in support of WaterSense—a national public-private partnership program. ERG’s drinking water specialists also routinely work with clients to generate technological solutions and policy recommendations for drinking water protection. As nationally recognized experts, they have served in leadership positions on federal and state workshops, symposia, and webinars, and in national and international organizations.

Source Water Protection
  • Water pollution evaluation and control
  • Stormwater management
  • Watershed planning and management
  • Reservoir management support
  • Evaluation of water quality sensors
  • Cost-benefit analysis
Water Sustainability
  • Water efficiency and conservation
  • Water and wastewater reuse
  • Climate impacts on water supply and sources
  • Green infrastructure planning and assessment
  • Water resources allocation
Assessment of Groundwater Resources
  • Groundwater modeling and monitoring
  • Groundwater contamination assessment
  • Underground injection program support
Regulatory Development
  • Regulatory option evaluation
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Preparation of public dockets
  • Public comment response support
  • Risk assessment
  • Strategic outreach and risk communication
Drinking Water System Compliance and Enforcement
  • Targeting of systems for inspections and sanitary surveys
  • Inspection support
  • Inspector training
  • Identification of noncompliant systems
  • Assessment of risk from noncompliant systems
  • Technical support for noncompliant systems
Sampling and Analysis
  • Development of sampling and analysis plans for drinking water contaminants
  • Sampling of source and tap water
  • Research and acquisition of analytical services
Data Management and Information Tools
  • Comprehensive data management support
  • Development and modernization of systems that use SDWIS data
  • Electronic reporting for drinking water laboratories
  • Analytical web and geospatial services
  • Surveys of drinking water treatment systems

Service Area Leads

Sarah Cashman

Increasingly, organizations are applying life cycle assessment to learn how they can most effectively reduce the environmental footprint of their products and processes. I take great pride in contributing to techniques and open-source databases that help move the science of LCA forward and facilitate access to more robust, current, and regionalized public life cycle inventory data.

Sarah Cashman

Carolyn Gillette

I have dedicated my career to helping clients develop practical, incremental solutions to environmental challenges that can sometimes feel very overwhelming. It is a privilege to work with colleagues and clients who are devoted to building a better world, on the foundations of science, information, and communication.

Carolyn Gillette

Jill Lucy

As someone who has long appreciated nature and the positive contributions that others make to this world, I am proud to participate in projects that help keep the world a healthy, safe, and beautiful place for the next generation.

Jill Lucy

Arleen O'Donnell

I cherish the connection with nature I feel from the strength of the ocean, the run of a river, the serenity of a lake, the intensity of estuaries, and the magic of vernal pools. It’s from this sense of appreciation that I apply my knowledge, experience, and passion to protect and restore the ecological integrity of water resources.

Arleen O'Donnell

Danny O’Connell

The operation and maintenance of water and wastewater utilities requires a clear understanding of diverse variables unique to each facility. I enjoy evaluating these variables and creating conditions or systems that enable water treatment and management systems to perform at their highest efficiencies.

Danny O’Connell

Chi Ho Sham Photo

Growing up in Hong Kong, I developed an appreciation of the importance of economic development while witnessing the drastic environmental and public health degradation it can cause. Inspired by this early experience, I have focused my life’s work at the intersection of environmental and economic issues. I feel fortunate to work collaboratively with so many devoted, creative, and smart individuals in seeking solutions in the balance of these often opposing public needs.

Chi Ho Sham

Roy Sieber

I am fascinated by the interaction of human behavior and technology, and the resulting impact on the environment. I really enjoy trying to understand and influence those interactions to create a more sustainable economy.

Roy Sieber