EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): The EPA is an agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations in the United States, including those related to drinking water quality under the SDWA.
Contaminant: A contaminant refers to any substance that is present in water or air and can cause harm to human health or the environment. The SDWA sets maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for various contaminants.
Public Water System: A public water system refers to any system that provides drinking water to at least 25 people or 15 households. These systems are regulated by the SDWA to ensure safe drinking water.