The Safe Drinking Water Act is a federal law enacted in 1974 to ensure the quality of drinking water in the United States. The main goal of the Act is to protect public health by regulating the safety of drinking water provided by public water systems.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for setting and enforcing national drinking water standards. The EPA establishes maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various pollutants and chemicals that may be present in drinking water, and water systems are required to meet these standards to ensure that the water is safe for consumption.
The Act also requires public water systems to regularly monitor and test their water for contaminants, notify consumers of any violations of drinking water standards, and provide treatment or alternative sources of water if necessary.
Additionally, the Safe Drinking Water Act sets forth requirements for the protection of underground sources of drinking water from contamination, as well as provisions for the regulation of drinking water quality in emergencies and during natural disasters.
Overall, the Safe Drinking Water Act plays a crucial role in protecting public health by ensuring that Americans have access to safe and clean drinking water.
Explain the Safe Drinking Water Act.
1 answer