Highlights of the Safe Drinking Water Act
- Authorizes EPA to set enforceable health standards for contaminants in drinking water
- Requires public notification of water systems violations and annual reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) to customers on contaminants found in their drinking water
- Establishes a federal-state partnership for regulation enforcement
- Includes provisions specifically designed to protect underground sources of drinking water
- Requires disinfection of surface water supplies, except those with pristine, protected sources
- Establishes a multi-billion-dollar state revolving loan fund for water system upgrades
- Requires an assessment of the vulnerability of all drinking water sources to contamination
Source: U.S. EPA