As we celebrate Drinking Water Week (going on now through May 11), we dive into an important piece of legislation that set water quality standards for the nation’s drinking water.
From a cool glass of water at your house after a workout to washing your hands in an airport across the country, Americans have come to expect safe drinking water as a way of life. Before the 1970s, however, states had varying regulations on water quantity and few on water quality. Coinciding with the environmental movement of the 1970s, were more advances in water purification technology as well as scientific evidence in the harms of contaminated water sources. After several years in the making, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was signed by President Gerald Ford in 1974.
Clean Drinking Water for All
The SDWA established a regulatory framework for protecting water quality to safeguard the public health. The law focuses on all waters actually or potentially designed for drinking use, both surface water and groundwater. With its passage, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could set the minimum standards to regulate drinking water and set the requirements for what is considered a “public water system” – the entities required to comply with the law. The EPA sets these standards by imposing regulations on contaminants that are detrimental to public health. For example, arsenic, a chemical linked to multiple cancers, has a drinking water standard of 10 parts per billion.
In addition to limiting microbial contamination (such as E. coli) and chemical contamination (such as arsenic), the law may also reduce corrosion of water pipes and has contributed to developing an entire population of water professionals.
Challenges Today
Despite a sometimes convoluted enforcement process, there is clear evidence of the monumental impact of this legislation. The quality of drinking water in the United States has improved steadily since the passage of the act. Now water systems face challenges other than water quality – aging infrastructure, water availability, and a slow process for updating drinking water contaminants. Additionally, people who use drinking water from private wells or small systems may be at risk if their water is not monitored regularly.
Regardless, we can all do our part to protect drinking water by utilizing and storing our chemicals correctly. In Marion County, free assistance is available to help businesses comply with local laws. Homeowners can check out these tips to protect drinking water and private well owners can check out wellowner.org for important information on well maintenance and testing. Anyone can contact their legislator to emphasize the need for continued investment in water quality monitoring and regulations.
As we close Drinking Water Week, let’s also remember the countless water professionals who work behind the scenes each and every day to bring us safe water!
Resources and further reading
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023WR035172
https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/safe-drinking-water-act-1974-and-its-role-providing-access-safe-drinking-water-united-states/2017-10
https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/national-benefits-analysis-drinking-water-regulations
