Safe Drinking Water Act – Protecting our water from source to tap for 50 years

Every time you turn on your tap and drink fresh, clean water, you can thank the Safe Drinking Water Act. For 50 years, this landmark federal legislation has served as a key force in safeguarding the quality of drinking water that is essential to daily life across the country. 

The Safe Drinking Water Act was initially passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply. Since then, the Safe Drinking Water Act has adapted to changing times and advances in science. It has been updated several times to address emerging threats to our drinking water, as well as new opportunities to tackle water quality challenges. The law was amended in 1986 and 1996 and required many actions to protect drinking water and its sources—rivers, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. 

Key elements of safe drinking water include protection and prevention. In addition to the rigorous treatment process and continual monitoring and testing of water samples, each water utility must provide regular reports on their water quality detailing each sample. Our municipalities consistently meet or exceed all of the standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act and governed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) , and the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department . On an annual basis, local water utilities compile all of that data into a report, which is then submitted to ADEQ for final approval. This process ensures water quality is high and accountability is always being met, eliminating the danger of a major water contaminant crisis.

The quality of your drinking water  is an important responsibility the AMWUA cities take seriously. That is why city staff thoroughly test, analyze, and monitor water quality every single day to ensure that the water provided to their communities and all of our families, friends, and neighbors is clean and safe. Each city provides its customers with an annual water quality report that demonstrates the reliability of our safe drinking water. 

You can always find information about the quality of the water delivered to your home from your local water provider. To view your municipality's latest water quality report, please visit the appropriate links below.

The Safe Drinking Water Act is vital for public health, but it wouldn't be possible without the dedicated water professionals who implement and uphold its standards every day. From source to tap, they work tirelessly to treat, monitor, and deliver safe water to our communities.

AMWUA is proud to join the water community in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, which has safeguarded public health by protecting drinking water quality since its passage on December 16, 1974. As we celebrate this milestone, we invite everyone in our communities to join in reflecting on the importance of safe drinking water and the role everyone plays in safeguarding this essential resource.

In a Commendation signed by Governor Hobbs celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SDWA, it is noted that the State of Arizona recognizes the critical importance of clean, healthy, and accessible drinking water to the health, economy, and overall quality of life for all Arizonans, especially in light of our unique water resource challenges in the desert Southwest. 

For 55 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities' ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .