What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal law passed in 1974 that provides protection to the public by ensuring that the nation’s drinking water is safe. The act gives the federal government the authority to set and enforce standards for the quality of drinking water and requires water systems to regularly monitor the safety of their water and inform the public if there are any violations. The SDWA applies to all public water systems, including cities, counties, and states. It also applies to private wells serving more than 25 people. In Washington, the Department of Health is responsible for implementing the SDWA. They set standards for water quality, inspect public water systems, and investigate water-related complaints. The department also has the authority to assess fines, suspend or revoke water system operating permits, and order a public water system to provide alternate sources of drinking water. The Washington Water Law also includes the Water Pollution Control Act, which outlines the standards for how much pollutants can be discharged into state waters. Water pollution can have serious consequences for public health, so it is important to have strict regulations in place. The SDWA and the Water Pollution Control Act work together to protect the public health of Washington residents by ensuring they have access to safe and clean drinking water. It is important that people understand the importance of these laws, and work to keep the state’s water sources clean and safe.

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What is the Safe Drinking Water Act?

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