What legal responsibility do public water suppliers have according to the Safe Drinking Water Act?

Public water suppliers have a significant legal responsibility to ensure water quality at the consumer's tap, as stated in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This federal law aims to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. It mandates that water suppliers meet specific quality standards and monitor various contaminants to ensure that the water delivered to consumers is safe for consumption.

Maintaining water quality involves a range of activities, including regular testing, treatment of water to remove harmful substances, and ensuring the infrastructure used to transport water does not compromise its safety. This focus on protecting consumer health reflects the commitment of public water suppliers to deliver a reliable and safe water supply, which is foundational to public health and safety.

While maintaining data on historical water usage, providing free water, and managing consumption rates are important aspects of water supply management, they do not fall under the primary legal responsibilities outlined by the Safe Drinking Water Act. The act specifically targets water quality to protect consumers from health risks associated with contaminated drinking water.