What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal law that was passed by Congress in 1974 to protect the public’s health by ensuring that public drinking water supplies are safe for consumption. It requires all public water systems to provide water that meets standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The SDWA regulates the quality of drinking water from source to tap, and it sets requirements for local, state, and federal governments to ensure that public drinking water supplies meet certain standards. In California, the Department of Public Health implements the SDWA and ensures that public drinking water is safe. The department sets standards that all public water systems must meet, such as conducting water testing and making sure the water meets health and safety standards for a variety of contaminants. The department also requires water systems to notify customers whenever their drinking water does not meet the standards. The SDWA also requires public water systems to provide customers with an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report is designed to inform customers about the quality of their drinking water, including any contaminants that were present and the level of contaminants in the water. It is important for customers to know that their drinking water is safe, and that the SDWA works to protect them.

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