WASHINGTON (June 17, 2010)—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a new rule Thursday that would require water suppliers to make repairs whenever testing indicates the possibility of contamination.

For example, that could be when tests detect even harmless microbes, which could suggest a broken water main or other pathway that also might allow dangerous germs into the system.

Currently, water systems are required to do periodic tests and to make repairs if hazardous microbes are discovered.

No effective date has been set for the new rule, which will be open to public comment for 60 days.