If the water supplier is not meeting the requirements, consumers can work with local and state officials and their water supplier to ensure that the required monitoring gets done. In some cases, yes. Over time, public water systems should better understand the likely threats to their water supplies by reviewing test results and keeping a watchful eye on threats to their drinking water sources. If a system does not have water quality problems, it can apply to the state for permission to test less frequently for certain contaminants. If, after scientific analysis, state regulators believe it is unlikely that human or natural activities will affect the system's water quality in the future, they may grant the request to avoid unnecessary testing.
Testing continues, but at a reduced frequency.
The 1996 SDWA includes many new provisions that will help states and water systems improve the quality of drinking water by preventing problems before they occur. Under the new source water protection provisions, for example, each state must develop a program to identify potential contamination threats and determine the susceptibility of drinking water sources such as wells or reservoirs to activities that may harm the source water. The source water assessments will provide the information necessary for states and localities to protect source water from contamination. Substantial federal funding is provided to states for assessments and for source water protection programs if states choose to operate such a program. The new law also will help prevent problems by ensuring that water systems are operated by qualified professionals.