The department works to make sure Missourians receive quality drinking water that meets or exceeds state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. To do this, the department sets limits and monitors for contaminants, issues permits for new and existing public water systems, issues permits to well drillers, certifies drinking water treatment and distribution operators, supports and promotes water system security, provides support for improving technical, managerial and financial capacity and provides funding opportunities for water system improvements.