What standard must be met when treating surface water?

When treating surface water, it is essential that the treatment processes adhere to both federal and state standards set forth by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The SDWA aims to protect public health by regulating the nation’s drinking water supply, and it establishes enforceable standards for the quality of drinking water.

Federal standards set by the EPA under the SDWA include limits on contaminants and guidelines for treatment techniques, ensuring that water supplied to consumers meets health-based criteria. In addition, state regulations may impose more stringent requirements that further enhance the safety and quality of drinking water.

Meeting both federal and state standards ensures a comprehensive approach to water treatment, accounting for varying environmental conditions and vulnerabilities in different regions. This dual compliance is critical for securing safe drinking water and protecting public health across all jurisdictions.

The other options do not align with the comprehensive regulatory framework established by the SDWA, which clearly mandates compliance with both sets of standards for surface water treatment. Thus, adherence to both federal and state requirements is a fundamental obligation for any facility engaged in treating surface water for public consumption.