What is the goal of the MCLG?

The goal of the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is to provide a non-enforceable health-based guideline for drinking water standards. MCLGs are set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and represent the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. By establishing these goals, the EPA aims to protect public health by providing guidelines that ensure drinking water is safe and helps inform water utilities and the public about the purity of their water supply.

The MCLG is not legally enforceable; rather, it serves as an important reference point for regulatory limits defined as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which are legally required. The difference highlights the MCLG's role in public health guidance rather than regulatory enforcement, allowing stakeholders to prioritize safety in water quality without imposing legal penalties for exceeding these levels.