What does the Safe Drinking Water Act primarily aim to do?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is primarily focused on establishing national standards for safe drinking water to protect public health. This legislation, enacted in 1974 and amended subsequently, aims to ensure the safety of the nation's drinking water supply by setting standards for various contaminants that may pose health risks. The act empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set these enforceable standards and oversee their implementation, thereby safeguarding public health by ensuring that the water supplied to communities meets specific safety criteria.

This focus on drinking water standards distinguishes the SDWA from other regulations that may address recreational water sources, bottled water, or wastewater management, which are not its primary objectives. Each of those areas may have other regulatory frameworks or acts tailored to address their specific concerns, but the SDWA's core mission remains centered on providing safe and reliable drinking water for all Americans.