ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Safe Drinking Water Act

Hey kiddo, have you ever heard about the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)? It is an important law that helps make sure that the water you drink is clean and safe.

The SDWA was passed by the United States Congress in 1974. It is like the rulebook that tells all the states and public water systems what they need to do to keep your drinking water safe.

The law has many important requirements, but let me tell you the main ones. One of the biggest things that the SDWA does is to set water quality standards. That means it sets a limit on how much of any given substance can be in your water before it becomes unsafe to drink.

The law also requires water suppliers to test their water regularly to make sure it meets those standards. If they find that your water is not clean or safe, they have to fix it or tell you why it’s not safe to drink.

Another important thing is that the SDWA requires public water systems to treat their water before delivering it to your home. This treatment process removes harmful substances and bacteria from the water, making it safer for you to drink.

Overall, the Safe Drinking Water Act is an important law that helps make sure that you and everyone else in the United States have access to clean and safe drinking water.