SECONDARY MAXIMUM CONTAMINANT LEVEL (SMCL)

The maximum concentration or level of certain water contaminants in public water supplies set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the public welfare. The secondary levels are written to address aesthetic considerations such as taste, odor, and color or water, rather than health standards. Also see Primary Drinking Water Standards, Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), and Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG).