Information for Consumers

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1996 gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the responsibility for setting national drinking water standards that protect the health of the 250 million people who get their water from public water systems. Other people get their water from private wells which are not subject to Federal Regulations.  Since 1974, EPA has set national safety standards for over 80 contaminants that may occur in drinking water.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with Public Water System Owners and Operators, has direct responsibility for the quality of water that flows to your tap.