What does SMCL stand for?

The term SMCL stands for Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level. SMCLs are established to regulate contaminants that may be affecting the aesthetic qualities of drinking water, such as taste, odor, and appearance, rather than directly impacting health. While primary standards focus on contaminants that pose a risk to health, secondary standards are more concerned with ensuring that the water is pleasant to consume and free from substances that could make it unattractive or unpalatable.

Understanding the role of SMCLs is important for water operators and managers, as maintaining water quality involves addressing both health-related contaminants governed by primary standards and aesthetic considerations covered by secondary standards.