Tribal Governments Role in Safe Drinking Water on Tribal Lands

Compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act

Complying with Drinking Water Regulations - National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs)

NPDWRs are legally enforceable standards that apply to public water systems. Primary standards protect public health by limiting the levels of contaminants in drinking water. EPA regulations also set testing requirements and list acceptable techniques for treating contaminated water.

These regulations apply to all public drinking water systems throughout the country regardless of ownership, primacy agency or geographic location.

Tribal leaders oversee the utility to ensure compliance with the NPDWRs.

Under the SDWA, EPA has primary enforcement responsibility in Indian country in the absence of tribal primacy. To date, the Navajo Nation is the only tribe that has applied for and received primacy.