What federal law regulates the protection of drinking water sources against contamination?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the federal law that specifically regulates the protection of drinking water sources against contamination. Enacted in 1974, the act aims to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water in the United States. It gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to set national standards for drinking water, which protect public health by limiting the levels of various contaminants in water supplies.

This act encompasses various provisions, including the protection of underground sources of drinking water, the establishment of maximum contaminant levels for various substances, and the requirement for public water systems to provide consumers with annual water quality reports. In essence, the SDWA is crucial in safeguarding drinking water by preventing pollutants from harming human health.

Although other laws like the Clean Water Act are significant in regulating water pollution and protecting water bodies, they do not specifically target drinking water sources for contamination prevention in the same manner as the SDWA.