The SDWA Amendments are extremely comprehensive and cannot be covered in detail here. However, sources of additional information are cited in the References section. A summary of some of the major provisions of the SDWA Amendments and a timetable for implementation is shown in Figure 1 . EPA has tested many of Texas' water systems for VOCs and found no violations. In the future, EPA will have to develop standards for 25 additional contaminants every three years.
Disinfection is required for all public water suppliers.
This provision could have a relatively minor impact in Texas because surface waters are already filtered and disinfected. Exemptions may be allowed if the source water was of high quality or if site-specific requirements were met. Use of lead in pipes, fixtures and distribution systems will be limited and measures to control corrosion are required. Education programs will have to be conducted, whether a system is in violation of the standard or not. Many lead-lined drinking water fountains in schools and public buildings will have to be replaced.