EPAProposed Rule

National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Analytical Methods for Microbes, Lead, and Magnesium [W-98-27-I-A-1]

EnvironmentHealthcare

Summary

The EPA is proposing new standard methods for testing drinking water to detect harmful microbes, lead, and magnesium. These updated testing procedures help ensure that water utilities can accurately measure contaminants and that tap water is safe for people to drink.

Key Points

  • 1Water utilities must use approved laboratory methods to test for microbes (like bacteria), lead, and magnesium in drinking water supplies
  • 2The regulation updates and clarifies which testing techniques are acceptable, making it easier for labs to follow consistent standards across the country
  • 3Better testing methods help protect public health by catching contamination early before water reaches homes and businesses
  • 4Water companies and testing laboratories are mainly affected and will need to follow these standardized procedures
  • 5This is a proposed rule, meaning the EPA is seeking public feedback before making it official

Key Dates

Published

September 11, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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