Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA, 1974)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The SDWA was enacted to protect public drinking water supplies across the United States, setting national health-based standards and requiring states and water suppliers to ensure safety.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before SDWA, drinking water safety was primarily a state and local responsibility, with no enforceable federal standards. Pollution crises and unsafe municipal supplies prompted federal action.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it safeguards public health. Critics claim compliance costs burden small communities and that the EPA sometimes overextends its authority.

5) Who or What It Controls

• EPA (sets and enforces drinking water standards)
• States (primary enforcement responsibility under EPA oversight)
• Public water systems (must test and meet standards)
• Consumers (gain right to annual water quality reports)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• 42 U.S.C. § 300g-1: EPA authority to set standards
• 42 U.S.C. § 300g-2: State primacy requirements
• 42 U.S.C. § 300j-4: Enforcement and penalties

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Amended in 1986 and 1996 to expand contaminants covered and strengthen enforcement
• Current debates over PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and lead in drinking water
• Flint, Michigan crisis highlighted failures in enforcement and compliance

8) Official Sources

• Congress.gov – SDWA 1974
• EPA – Safe Drinking Water Act
• 42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq. – U.S. Code

• Environment
• Public Health
• Epa
• Water Safety
• Regulation