Definition of Safe Drinking Water

The Safe Drinking Water Act is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and sets the standards for water quality in the United States. The EPA monitors all drinking water suppliers to ensure that they meet these standards.

Drinking Water Regulations

• The EPA regulates the levels of specific contaminants allowed in drinking water. It also provides methods for testing water that industries must follow, in addition to methods for the treatment of contaminated drinking water. The contaminants that are monitored in drinking water are microorganisms, disinfectants, inorganic and organic compounds, and radionuclides.

Maximum Contaminant Level

• The standards issued by the EPA limit the level of certain contaminants in drinking water; these are referred to as maximum contaminant levels. There are certain contaminants that have a zero maximum contaminant level such as cryptosporidium, giardia, enteric viruses and E. coli, all of which cause gastrointensinal diseases. Legionella, a form of pneumonia, also has a zero maximum contaminant level. Some contaminants are allowed at levels greater than zero, such as chlorite or copper.

Unregulated Drinking Water Contaminants

• There are contaminants found in drinking water that are not currently regulated by the EPA; however, the EPA does monitor data on these contaminants. Since these specific contaminants show not health effect on humans, they do not have a maximum contaminant level. The most current data on these contaminants is reviewed periodically to ensure the continued health and safety of drinking water.