Regulatory Affairs

Child Drinking a Glass of Water

Both federal and state agencies regulate drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) revised in 1986 and 1996.

The EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water manages the Public Water Supply Supervision Program's drinking water program. Their responsibilities include defining maximum contamination levels (MCLs) and other standards for safe drinking water.

  • Assigning primary enforcement to states. Ensure state actions comply with regulations.
  • Implementing the program in states without primary enforcement authority.
  • Providing technical assistance to states.

States are expected to enforce their drinking water programs under the SDWA. Under these regulations, each state must adopt public water system requirements at least as strict as EPA requirements.  

EPA rules address different water pollutant issues in addition to the SDWA. These include the Surface Water Treatment Rule, Total Coliform Rule, and Lead and Copper Rule. 

Prince William Water's Regulatory Affairs Officer is responsible for ensuring that our water and wastewater remain compliant with all state and federal regulations.