The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enacted in 1974 and amended in 1986, 1996, and 2018, regulates contaminants in public water supplies, provides funding for infrastructure projects, protects sources of drinking water, and promotes the capacity of water systems to comply with SDWA regulations. 13

Jan 10, 2024 · Most U.S. tap water comes from reservoirs, lakes, rivers, or water under the ground. You can help protect your water supply from harmful germs and chemicals. Source water refers to bodies of water that provide water to public drinking water supplies and private wells.

Sep 13, 2023 · In 2022, globally, at least 1.7 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces. Microbial contamination of drinking-water as a result of contamination with faeces poses the greatest risk to drinking-water safety.

Feb 6, 2025 · This one-stop website allows users to learn more about what data are available and use the data to increase their understanding of drinking water across the nation. Datasets cover drinking water quality, loan and grant information, unregulated contaminants, and more.

Oct 18, 2024 · In this map, you can see where communities source their drinking water and identify whether or not you are in a protection area. You can also learn how vulnerable a drinking water source is to outside contamination.

Nov 7, 2024 · The United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water. Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974 to protect public health, including by regulating public water systems.

Drinking water or potable water is water that is safe for ingestion, either when drunk directly in liquid form or consumed indirectly through food preparation. It is often (but not always) supplied through taps, in which case it is also called tap water.

Feb 24, 2025 · Protecting America’s drinking water is a top priority for EPA. EPA has established protective drinking water standards for more than 90 contaminants, including drinking water regulations issued since the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act that strengthen public health protection.

Get our Guide on the latest tips and updates on safe drinking water directly to your inbox. Look up your local water system to find out which pollutants might be of concern, and find suggestions on the best kinds of home filters to remove those chemicals.

Jul 16, 2024 · Your water utility works to prevent germs and chemicals from getting into your tap water and making you sick. Meeting safety standards. Utilities must follow EPA's safe water rules. These rules include guidelines for: Drinking water quality. How …