Get National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) NPDWR s (or primary standards) are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. Primary standards protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water.

Drinking Water Standards are divided into two types of standards. Primary Drinking Water Standards are set based on specific health concerns or impacts, whereas, Secondary Drinking Water Standards are based on Aesthetic or Cosmetic issues and concerns or Technical issues related to the use of the water.

The National Primary Drinking Water Regulations ( NPDWR) are legally enforceable primary standards and treatment techniques that apply to public water systems. Primary standards and treatment techniques protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water.

The pH level of the water sources should be between 6.5 and 8.5 on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. The best pH for drinking water sits at a 7 right in the middle.

There are two categories of drinking water standards: National primary drinking water regulations (NPDWR or primary standard): Legally-enforceable standards that apply to public water systems.

Water programs: national interim primary drinking water regulations, 1975. Fed Regist..

The EPA's secondary drinking water standards are non-enforceable recommendations, while the primary drinking water regulations, which do relate to health, are enforceable under the law.

In March 2023, EPA took a key step to protect public health by proposing to establish legally enforceable levels for six PFAS known to occur in drinking water, fulfilling a foundational commitment in the Agency's PFAS Strategic Roadmap.