美国国会责成美国环境保护局（USEPA）执行《安全饮用水法案》（SDWA），以保护公众健康和福利。根据SDWA的授权，该机构制定适用于美国公共供水系统的法规。美国环保局根据SDWA的要求制定了新的法规。美国环保局和其他机构认为，公众参与制定法规是监管过程的一个重要方面。但是，除非你知道如何让别人听到你的声音，否则参与监管过程可能会令人沮丧。公众如何参与这一过程是本文的主题。包括22个参考文献，表1。

The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is charged by the US Congress with administering the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for the purpose of protecting public health and welfare. Under the authority of the SDWA the agency establishes regulations that apply to US public water systems. New regulations are set by USEPA in accordance with the requirements of the SDWA. Public involvement in the development of regulations is recognized by USEPA and others as an important aspect of the regulatory process. But getting involved in the regulatory process can be frustrating unless you know how to make your voice heard. How the public can participate in the process is the subject of this article. Includes 22 references, table.