Happy new year!

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in the water sector. The U.S. Congress originally passed the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in 1974, making 2024 its 50th anniversary.

For water systems, the SDWA serves as a series of regulations to protect the public drinking water supply in the United States.

“The thing I like about the Safe Drinking Water Act is that it brought a certain level of accountability for the treatment of this most precious resource, which defends the health of people,” said Donnell Duncan, associate vice president of Arcadis. “It’s because of those acts that we have all these rigorous testing standards. It’s one of the reasons why we’re so proud of our drinking water.”

While SDWA provides structure for water systems, it offers reassurance to consumers.

“I’ve done a lot of traveling within the United States and I never question turning on my tap and using it,” said Annie Storey, executive director of the Illinois Section of AWWA. “I once went to California in a drought and got to experience what that looks like. I grew up on well water. I’ve been a consumer in a lot of different places, and I think just the fact that I don’t have to worry about it is huge props to the whole industry and our representatives and legislators.”

SDWA has been amended twice (in 1986 and 1996) and rigorously protects drinking water and its sources. SDWA does not regulate private wells that serve fewer than 25 individuals. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, the Agency has regulated nearly 100 contaminants since the 1996 amendments.

You can join the celebration by getting better acquainted with your water provider and the treatments that your water flows through before it arrives at your home’s tap.

We’re fortunate to have reliable access to clean drinking water, so let’s raise a glass to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act.