Safe Drinking Water Act Of 1974 –
The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 was enacted in response to outbreaks of waterborne disease and increasing chemical contamination of public water sources. The SDWA authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish federal drinking water standards. The SDWA sets mazimum contamniant levels (MCLs) for dangerous chemicals and waterborne bacteria and viruses in the public’s drinking water. The 1996 re-authorization of the SDWA requires water providers to inform consumers on an annual basis about the quality of their drinking water, and to inform consumers about any actions they should take to minimize health risks associated with waterborne contaminants. The reauthorization also requires each state to perform Source Water Assessments for all water resources used (or to be used) for drinking water supply. The states must develop Source Water Assessment Plans by February 1999 to prioritize and lay out the process for completion of the assessments.
Source: River Network
