What is meant by “regulated” VOCs in drinking water?
A “National Primary Drinking Water Regulation” (primary standard) is a legally-enforceable standard that applies to public water systems. Primary standards protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) standards, commonly referred to as “Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)” apply to 29 of the 55 VOCs included in the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program’s assessment. The Federal government generally issues “primacy” to the State; that is, the responsibility is delegated to the State by the USEPA for enforcing primary standards. Additionally, States may also have enforceable drinking-water regulations that are more stringent than Federal standards. These standards may vary among states; specific information can be obtained from state drinking-water programs. Although the quality of water from domestic wells is generally the homeowner’s responsibility, most states and some local agencies do provide g
