Which document outlines the drinking water standards in the U.S.?

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is the key piece of legislation that specifically addresses drinking water standards in the United States. Enacted in 1974, the SDWA aims to ensure that the public has access to safe drinking water by authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set and enforce drinking water quality standards.

Under this act, the EPA establishes maximum contaminant levels for various substances that could pose health risks if present in drinking water. This regulatory framework provides guidance on monitoring, reporting, and ensuring compliance, which is essential for protecting public health.

In contrast, the other documents mentioned play different roles in environmental protection. The Clean Water Act primarily focuses on maintaining and restoring the integrity of the nation's waters by regulating discharges into water bodies, rather than setting drinking water standards. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act deals with waste management and hazardous waste rather than drinking water quality. The National Environmental Policy Act mandates environmental assessments for federal projects but does not set specific water quality standards. Thus, the SDWA is the fundamental legislative document directly tied to establishing and enforcing drinking water standards in the U.S.