The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the primary federal law in the United States, enacted in 1974, that protects public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply and ensuring its safety from harmful contaminants.

Key Provisions

The Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set enforceable national standards, known as National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, which include maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and treatment techniques for health-related risks. States can assume primary enforcement responsibility if they meet EPA criteria, while the law also mandates public notifications for violations and annual consumer confidence reports on water quality.

Additional Protections

SDWA includes the Underground Injection Control program to safeguard underground drinking water sources from fluid injection activities. It empowers EPA to issue emergency measures for imminent health threats and supports state revolving loan funds for infrastructure upgrades. Amendments, such as those in 1996, require risk-cost assessments and peer-reviewed science for standards.