First step to begin the process of developing national primary drinking water standards
Process takes years under the SDWA prescribed process
EPA must propose the drinking water standard within 24 months
EPA must then promulgate the standard within 18 months after the proposal
Standards include the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), the non-enforceable level at which no known or anticipated adverse health effects occur, with an adequate margin of safety
Standards also include the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), the enforceable standard applicable to public water suppliers, as close to MCLG as is “feasible” using best available technology or other means available, taking costs into consideration