What are states NOT permitted to do with respect to safe drinking water regulation?

States are not permitted to produce regulations that are less stringent than EPA regulations to ensure the protection of public health and safety related to safe drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes minimum standards for drinking water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and states have the authority to implement their regulations as long as they meet or exceed these federal standards.

If a state were to create regulations that are less stringent than those established by the EPA, it could lead to unsafe drinking water conditions, undermining the national framework designed to protect the public. Therefore, maintaining higher standards is essential for safeguarding water quality and public health.

States do possess the rights to enact regulations that are more stringent than EPA requirements, monitor additional contaminants as they see fit, and take enforcement actions against violations of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), reinforcing their authority to enhance local water safety as needed.