Drinking water standards
In 1974, Congress passed the safe dringking water act (sdwa),setting up a regulatory prongram among local, state, and federal agencies to help ensure safe drinking water in the united states.thesate drinking water act states that public water systems must provide water treatment, monitor drinking water to ensure proper quality, and provide public notification of contaminant problems.regulations implementing the act established drinking water standards(maximum contaminant levels and treatment technique requirements) for avariety of chemicals, metals,and pathogens.amendments continue to strengthen the act and enhance drinking water quality. Significant penalties are imposed for non-compliance.the sdwa applies to all public water systems, defined as having at least 15 service connections or a regularly serving at least 25 individuals. States are required to enact their own drinking water regulations that are at least as stringent as Federal sandards. Sdwa protects drinking water supplies through required treatment, testing, and reporting. The sdwa established a permitting program for underground injection wells. It also requires protection of aquifers and groundwater and surface water sources for drinking water supplies. The sdwa requires that maximum contaminant levels or treatment technique requirements be established for specific inorganic chemical, organic chemicals,bacteria,and radioactive elements. Sdwa also sets secondary (non-enforcealbe) standards for parameters that affect aesthetic qualities relating to public acceptance of drinking water. These include color,corrosivity, foaming agents, odor, and metals. Epa is continually in the process of selecting new contaminants for which to establish drinking water standards.