What does "MCL" stand for in the context of the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act?

In the context of the US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, "MCL" stands for Maximum Contaminant Level. This term is used to define the highest permissible level of a contaminant in drinking water, which is set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect public health. MCLs are established based on a combination of scientific data regarding the health effects of contaminants, their occurrence in water sources, and technology available to measure and control them.

Establishing these levels helps ensure that drinking water remains safe and minimizes the risk of adverse health effects associated with exposure to certain contaminants. The determination of MCLs is a critical aspect of maintaining water safety standards and public health protection. Other terms mention different levels or limits, but none specifically refer to the maximum allowable concentration intended for regulating drinking water quality.