What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a law designed to protect public health by regulating the amount of contaminants in the public water supply. It is a law that was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1974 and is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In North Carolina, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is the state agency responsible for enforcing the SDWA. The goal of the Safe Drinking Water Act is to ensure that public drinking water is safe and of a high quality. To do this, it sets standards for what kinds of contaminants are allowed in public drinking water systems. The EPA has established a limit for each regulated contaminant to ensure that the public water supply meets the national health standards set by the law. The SDWA also includes a provision that requires public water systems to provide customers with information about their drinking water. This includes information about the levels of regulated contaminants found in the water, as well as any health advisories or risks related to using the water. This information is intended to help consumers make informed decisions about the water they are drinking. The Safe Drinking Water Act has been successful in improving the safety and quality of the public water supply in North Carolina. Many communities have seen a dramatic decrease in water-borne illnesses since the law was enacted. The law has also been successful in safeguarding public health by preventing the contamination of public water systems by toxic substances.

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