What must states do to achieve regulatory primacy under the Safe Drinking Water Act?

To achieve regulatory primacy under the Safe Drinking Water Act, states must follow federal standards and regulations. This means that states need to establish their own drinking water regulatory programs that are at least as stringent as the federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Achieving this primacy allows states to oversee and implement their own drinking water programs, which can lead to more localized management of water resources and ensure that public health protections are tailored to specific state needs.

Other elements, while potentially relevant to the broader context of water management, are not the requirements for regulatory primacy. Developing unique sets of water treatment guidelines might be a part of a state's approach, but those guidelines must still align with federal standards. Increasing state taxes could support funding for water projects, but it is not a prerequisite for achieving primacy. Conducting independent research, although beneficial for developing better practices and understanding local water issues, does not directly relate to the requirement for states to adhere to federal regulations to gain primacy. Thus, following federal standards and regulations is the central requirement for states aiming for regulatory primacy under the Safe Drinking Water Act.