EPA Order will Help Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority Comply with Safe Drinking Water Act
Atlantic City, N.J. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an order directing the Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority (ACMUA) to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)’s Lead and Copper Rule. A 2025 investigation by EPA revealed violations of federal and state drinking water requirements, which include inadequate tap water sampling practices. On October 27, 2025, EPA issued an order requiring the ACMUA to update its lead and copper sampling plans and conduct two consecutive rounds of sampling in 2026, as well as improve monitoring and reporting.
“Ensuring that water systems provide safe drinking water to consumers is fundamental to EPA’s mission,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “In this instance, we have collaborated with our counterparts in New Jersey to identify violations and establish a definitive course of action for Atlantic City’s public utility to meet its obligations under the law.”
A series of inquiries and inspections between 2022 and 2025 found that the system has not met specific drinking water requirements, including failing to establish proper sampling and reporting practices under the SDWA. In addition to requiring ACMUA to update its sampling plans, the system is also required to conduct follow-up activities if the action levels are exceeded and to notify consumers of their lead monitoring results.
The action was taken in consultation with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and after discussion with the ACMUA. EPA is also offering continued technical assistance to the ACMUA to help the water system comply.
For more information about the requirements of the lead and copper rule, visit EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule website.
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