What is the primary goal of the SDWA?

The primary goal of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is to protect public health through the regulation of drinking water quality. The SDWA was enacted to ensure that the water supplied to the public is safe for consumption, thereby minimizing the risk of waterborne illnesses and contaminants. Under this act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes national standards for drinking water, regulates public water systems, and oversees the quality of the water delivered to consumers.

This federal statute emphasizes the significance of maintaining safe drinking water, which involves the management of water sources, monitoring of water quality, and enforcement of safety regulations. The focus on protecting public health differentiates it from other initiatives that may address water efficiency, recycling, or penalties for pollution, which, while important, are not the core mission of the SDWA. The act directly addresses the safety and quality of drinking water, making the protection of public health its ultimate priority.