![stream in fall rocky stream surrounded by fall foliage](https://pikeconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/stream-in-fall.jpg)
History of Drinking Water Protection
History of Drinking Water Protection
Protecting drinking water is a top priority for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
On the federal level, protective drinking water standards have been established for more than 90 contaminants, including drinking water regulations issued since the 1996 amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act that strengthen public health protection.
In Pennsylvania, the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water is charged with managing the federally delegated drinking water program and implementing both the federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act and associated regulations.
These regulations focus on protecting the quality of drinking water, whether from above-ground or underground sources.
![Safe drinking water Girl at sink with hand in running faucet](https://pikeconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/Girl-at-sink-with-running-faucet.jpg)
![An illustration of water coming from a sink faucet](https://pikeconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/faucet.png)
A clean and adequate supply of water is essential to maintaining good health.
Water conservation…Every Drop Counts! Install low flow plumbing fixtures and repair leaks. Take short showers instead of baths. Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth.