What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a law that was passed in 1974 and is meant to ensure that all drinking water in the United States is safe to consume. In California, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is responsible for implementing the law and making sure that public water systems maintain safe drinking water standards. The law requires public water systems to regularly test their water for contaminants and to notify their customers if high levels of contaminants are found. The SWRCB is responsible for enforcing the federal drinking water standards by issuing enforcement orders and levying fines for violations of the law. The law covers a wide variety of contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, and bacteria, and the standards for each are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The law also requires water systems to take steps to protect their water from contamination and to notify customers in a timely manner if there is a water quality issue. The SDWA is an important law as it helps to protect public health by ensuring that all drinking water is safe for consumption and meets the set standards for quality and safety. Without the SDWA, there could be serious health risks associated with consuming unsafe drinking water. The law is regularly updated to ensure that drinking water remains safe and that it is managed efficiently and effectively.
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