What does a lower MCL indicate regarding drinking water quality?

A lower Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) indicates stricter health-based safety thresholds for drinking water quality. The MCL is set by regulatory agencies to protect public health by limiting the concentration of specific contaminants in drinking water. When the MCL is lowered, it signifies a move towards more stringent standards, ensuring that the water supply is safer for consumption and minimizes health risks associated with the presence of particular contaminants. This reflects an effort to enhance public health protections and align water quality standards with updated scientific knowledge regarding the risks posed by these substances.