What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal law passed in 1974 by the U.S. Congress. It requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the safety of public water supplies. The SDWA applies to all public water systems, including publically-owned utilities, which are expected to provide drinking water that meets standards by treating the water to remove impurities and disinfection. The basic goal of the SDWA is to protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water. These contaminants can be naturally-occurring, such as bacteria, viruses, and minerals, or man-made, such as lead, arsenic, and industrial chemicals. The EPA sets the maximum contaminant levels for these substances, which are enforced by the states. In Washington State, the Department of Health (DOH) is responsible for enforcing the SDWA. All publicly-owned water systems must regularly test the drinking water and report their results to the DOH. If a public system fails to meet the standards, the DOH can take action, such as imposing a fine or ordering the system to take corrective measures. The SDWA has helped to ensure safe drinking water for people in Washington State and across the nation. It is an important law that helps protect public health by maintaining safe water standards.

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What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?

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