Drinking water Technology, Eawag, developed a method by which hazard maps could be produced for geogenic toxic substances in groundwater. This provides an efficient way of determining which wells should be tested. Parameters for drinking water quality typically fall within three categories: Physical and chemical parameters include heavy metals, trace organic compounds, total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity. Microbiological parameters include Coliform bacteria, "E. coli", and specific pathogenic species of bacteria (such as cholera-causing "Vibrio cholerae"), viruses, and protozoan parasites. Chemical parameters tend to pose more of a chronic health risk through buildup of heavy metals although some components like nitrates/nitrites and
Safe Drinking Water Act in Drinking Water Act" in 2011. This amendment, effective in 2014, tightened the definition of "lead-free" plumbing fixtures and fittings. The "Drinking Water Protection Act" was enacted on August 7, 2015. It required EPA to submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. EPA submitted the plan to Congress in November 2015. The "Grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act" was signed by President Barack Obama on December 11, 2015. The amendment provides technical assistance to small public water systems, to help them