Which of the following is a key requirement for water utilities under the SDWA?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), one of the key requirements for water utilities is to ensure the safety and quality of drinking water. Conducting routine water sampling is essential because it helps to monitor and assess the presence of contaminants, ensuring that the water meets the necessary health standards set by regulatory agencies. Regular sampling allows water utilities to detect issues before they affect public health, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations designed to protect consumers from unsafe drinking water.

In contrast, limiting water pressure, maintaining distribution system age, and implementing high water tariffs do not directly relate to the safety and quality of the drinking water supplied to customers. While managing water pressure can be important for service delivery, and tariffs might affect economic sustainability, they are not fundamental requirements under the SDWA focused on ensuring drinking water safety through testing and monitoring.