The Tap Today
The US has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, Thanks to the efforts of municipal water works professionals around the country and the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) passed by the federal government in 1974. Through the SDWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPAS) is empowered to regulate water quality.
Primary substances, which affect health, which are aesthetically displeasing but not harmful, are monitored by the IPA. The IPA establishes maximum contaminant levels, (MCLs) for many substances in drinking water. MCLs are the highest levels allowed by law. They are measured in parts per million (PPM) or parts per billion (PPB). even substances you cannot see, taste or smell are monitored.
A recent study of more than 22 million taps across the US fount 260 regulated and unregulated substances. While more than 90% of local tap water was in compliance, there were 141 substances unregulated by the EPA that could potentially affect more than 220 million Americans*.
The SDWA currently identifies approximately 90 substances for which the EPA is required to establish standards. The EPA is studying and additional 51 compounds found in drinking water that are thought to be toxic.
* Based on Environmental Working Group Study
ONE PART PER MILLION IS EQUIVALENT TO:
- One second out of 12 days
- A 2-litre container floating in an Olympic swimming pool
- One grain of sand in a handful