What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enacted by Congress in 1974, is a federal law which sets forth requirements to protect public drinking water supplies from contamination. In Washington, the law is enforced by the Washington State Department of Health. The law requires public water systems to test their water for over 90 contaminants and to report the results of those tests to their customers. It also sets maximum allowable levels for those contaminants. If a contaminant is detected that is unsafe for human consumption, the system must take steps to make the water safe before it can be served to customers. The SDWA also requires public water systems to use source water protection measures to protect the quality of their water. This includes protecting water sources from pollution, maintaining adequate water flows in rivers and streams, managing land near the water source, and considering alternative water sources when necessary. The law also requires public water systems to have an emergency response plan in place to be prepared to respond to problems quickly if they occur. These plans are designed to ensure that any contamination or health risks are mitigated as quickly as possible. Overall, the SDWA is an important law that ensures the safety of Washington’s drinking water. By enforcing drinking water standards, protecting water sources, and having emergency response plans in place, the SDWA helps protect the health of the public and the environment.

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What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

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