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.
We all live downstream. Our water quality is directly affected by our upstream neighbors, and our choices will impact the water quality for our downstream neighbors.
- Minimize impervious surfaces.
- Do not remove trees and other plants next to streams, lakes and wetlands.
- Plant native plants to absorb heavy rain falls.
- Direct rain gutters onto lawn or garden.
- Construct rain gardens and use rain barrels.