What was the primary purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act when it was passed?

The primary purpose of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enacted in 1974, was to ensure the safety of the Nation's public drinking water supply. This law established comprehensive federal regulations to protect against various contaminants in drinking water, aiming to minimize the risk of waterborne diseases and safeguard public health.

The SDWA requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set health-based standards for drinking water quality and to oversee the states' implementation of these standards. The focus is specifically on the quality of water that people consume, rather than addressing broader water pollution or the treatment of wastewater, which fall under different regulations.

The goal of the act is to protect the health of individuals by ensuring that the water they drink is free from harmful levels of toxic substances and pathogens. This foundational purpose has guided the development and enforcement of drinking water regulations and standards across the country, making it a key element in public health protection efforts.