Philosophy of the Safe Drinking Water Act and potable reuse

Reviewed are: the philosophy involved in obtaining safe drinking water; the relevant public health history, principles, and policies; and issues of reuse and public health. Options for protecting water supplies, the issues of nonpotable and potable water reuse, and feasible alternatives to these two types of water systems are described. A major problem in the development of potable reuse is the lack of integration of water supply and water pollution control programs at local and state levels. The impact of governmental regulations on the development of water reuse programs is discussed.