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Drinking water quality in the United States. Drinking water quality in the United States is generally safe. In 2016, over 90 percent of the nation's community water systems were in compliance with all published U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) standards. [ 1] Over 286 million Americans get their tap water from a community water system.
Share of the population without access to an improved water source, 2020. Global access to clean water is a significant global challenge that affects the health, well-being, and development of people worldwide. While progress has been made in recent years, millions of people still lack access to safe and clean drinking water sources.
Drinking water standards include lists of parametric values, and also specify the sampling location, sampling methods, sampling frequency, analytical methods, and laboratory accreditation ( AQC ). In addition, a number of standards documents also require calculation to determine whether a level exceeds the standard, such as taking an average.
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water based on the standards of its usage. [ 1][ 2] It is most frequently used by reference to a set of standards against which compliance, generally achieved through treatment of the water, can be assessed.
The Safe Drinking Water Act ( SDWA) is the principal federal law in the United States intended to ensure safe drinking water for the public. [ 3] Pursuant to the act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to set standards for drinking water quality and oversee all states, localities, and water suppliers that implement the standards.
Water pollution in the United States is a growing problem that became critical in the 19th century with the development of mechanized agriculture, mining, and industry, although laws and regulations introduced in the late 20th century have improved water quality in many water bodies. [ 1] Extensive industrialization and rapid urban growth ...
According to the Ministry of Health, in 2006 97% had access to potable water and also 97% had access to at least basic sanitation. WHO's and UNICEF's Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) estimates access to improved water supply in 2004 at 97% in urban areas and 82% in rural areas, while access to improved sanitation was 75% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas.
Drinking water or potable water is water that is safe for ingestion, either when drunk directly in liquid form or consumed indirectly through food preparation. It is often (but not always) supplied through taps, in which case it is also called tap water. Typically in developed countries, tap water meets drinking water quality standards, even ...