How often are municipal water supplies monitored for safety under the Safe Drinking Water Act?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), municipal water supplies are required to be monitored for safety on an annual basis. This monitoring is crucial to ensure that the water meets health-based standards and is safe for public consumption. Annual monitoring includes testing for various contaminants, assessing water quality, and ensuring that treatment processes are effective in removing harmful substances.

The significance of this annual evaluation lies in its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of the water quality over time. While certain parameters may warrant more frequent testing based on specific circumstances or regulations (for example, monitoring for bacteria may happen more frequently), the general requirement is that a broad array of contaminants be monitored yearly. This structure helps maintain public health and confidence in the safety of drinking water supplies.