What regulations govern drinking water?

- Enacted in 1974 and amended in 1986 and 1996

- Establishes national standards for drinking water quality and requires states to develop and implement programs to ensure compliance with these standards

- Sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for specific contaminants, such as lead, mercury, and bacteria

- Requires water systems to monitor water quality and report violations of MCLs to state agencies

- Gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authority to enforce the SDWA and take action against water systems that violate the law

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

- Established by the EPA under the SDWA

- Set enforceable limits on contaminants in public water systems that may have adverse health effects

- Include MCLs for a variety of contaminants, including microorganisms, organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, and radionuclides

National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations

- Also established by the EPA under the SDWA

- Set non-enforceable limits on contaminants in public water systems that may affect the aesthetic qualities of water, such as taste, odor, and color

- Do not have the same regulatory status as MCLs and are not considered health-based standards

State Drinking Water Regulations

- In addition to the federal regulations, many states have their own drinking water regulations that set additional standards and requirements for public water systems

- State regulations may be more stringent than federal regulations and may address contaminants that are not regulated at the federal level

Local Drinking Water Regulations

- Some cities and towns have their own drinking water regulations that set additional standards and requirements for public water systems within their jurisdiction

- Local regulations may be more stringent than state and federal regulations and may address contaminants that are not regulated at the state or federal level