Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
Definition
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal law in the United States that sets standards for drinking water quality and regulates public water systems. It aims to protect public health by ensuring safe drinking water for all citizens.
Analogy
Think of the SDWA as your school's cafeteria staff who regularly tests and monitors food quality before serving it to students. Just like how they ensure that your meals are safe and meet certain standards, the SDWA ensures that your tap water meets specific criteria for safety.
Related terms
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): The EPA is an agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations in the United States, including those related to drinking water quality under the SDWA.
Contaminant: A contaminant refers to any substance that is present in water or air and can cause harm to human health or the environment. The SDWA sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various contaminants.
Public Water System: A public water system refers to any system that provides drinking water to at least 25 people or 15 households. These systems are regulated by the SDWA to ensure safe drinking water.
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