Final answer:
The legislation passed to regulate the public drinking water supply in the United States is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), initially enacted in 1974. The SDWA has been amended to enhance water quality protections and to require water quality reports for consumers. The EPA enforces the standards set by the SDWA and other related laws like the Clean Water Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The federal legislation that was passed to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). This act, initially passed in 1974, was imperative in establishing national standards for drinking water quality. The SDWA has undergone several amendments to enhance water protection and assessment of water sources. One notable amendment in 1986 expanded the list of regulated contaminants and enhanced public notification requirements regarding drinking water safety. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with enforcing the standards set by the SDWA, ensuring that public water systems adhere to the regulations and that water quality standards are upheld. These systems serve communities of over 25 people and include steps such as flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, aeration, and disinfection, with fluoride being added to prevent tooth decay. Moreover, the EPA oversees the regulation of injection wells to protect underground sources of drinking water.
Other important federal legislation related to water protection includes the Clean Water Act, which controls pollution in the nation's waterways, aiming to make them swimmable and fishable. The Clean Water Act complements the SDWA by maintaining and restoring water quality. Over time, laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act have evolved to become more stringent, reflecting the nation's growing concern over environmental health and the importance of clean water.