Drinking water agencies protect their customers from a host of chemical and biological contaminants using source selection, pollution prevention and treatment. Agencies with surface water reservoirs must now also be aware of the direct and indirect impacts of chemicals categorized as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutants (PBT). This paper discusses how early awareness of EPA's programmatic direction and prior planning by drinking water agencies and professional organizations will maintain the public's confidence in its surface water drinking supplies. Includes 4 references, figures.