What act did Congress pass in 1974 to ensure safe drinking water?

The Safe Drinking Water Act, passed by Congress in 1974, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at protecting public health by ensuring the quality of Americans' drinking water. This act authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set standards for drinking water quality and required water suppliers to provide safe drinking water to the public.

Under this act, the EPA has the authority to establish maximum contaminant levels for various substances in drinking water, thereby preventing potential health risks associated with contaminated water. The act also emphasizes the need for public information and community involvement in matters related to drinking water quality.

While other acts like the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, and the Federal Clean Water Act address important environmental issues, they do not specifically target the safety of drinking water in the same comprehensive manner as the Safe Drinking Water Act. This distinction is crucial, as the Safe Drinking Water Act is focused solely on protecting surface and groundwater sources that serve as drinking water supplies.