Understanding Drinking Water Quality in Appalachia

Key Takeaways While the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) applies to all public water systems in the United States, the severity and prevalence of violations vary among locations. A study investigated drinking water quality, indicated by statistics of the SDWA in the 13 Appalachian states from 2010 to 2022, to identify any differences in violations. The need for better water system management and infrastructure in economically disadvantaged regions is clear, along with public education and effective policies.