AWWA celebrates progress, identifies opportunities in Senate Safe Drinking Water Act hearing

In a written statement to a U.S. Senate committee hearing, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) on Wednesday recognized the Safe Drinking Water Act’s (SDWA) first 50 years as “continual progress and improvement,” while noting that Congress has several opportunities to improve the safety and reliability of drinking water.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works’ hearing brought together water sector leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to reflect on the SDWA’s successes and challenges and to chart a path forward for ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans.

AWWA’s statement encourages the Committee to consider the following recommendations to improve the SDWA’s effectiveness:

• Fully fund the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) at $3.25 billion and discontinue the practice of using the DWSRF to fund congressionally directed spending.
• Codify liability protections for water systems under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act to ensure polluters pay for PFAS cleanups, not water systems and their customers.
• Reauthorize Low-Income Housing Water Assistance Program to help low-income households pay their water bills and maintain access to essential water service.
• Protect source waters from contamination by encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to take early action under statutes like the Toxic Substances Control Act to better protect public health and reduce the cost burden associated with treatment under SDWA.
• Collaborate with the water sector to strengthen resilience to cybersecurity threats.

“AWWA appreciates the Committee’s attention to SDWA on the 50th anniversary of its passage,” the statement said. “AWWA’s members remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold the promise of SDWA and look forward to working toward a better world through better water – the world’s most vital resource.”

The Safe Drinking Water Act, enacted on Dec. 16, 1974, has significantly improved water quality and public health protections across the United States. As the nation celebrates its progress, AWWA calls for continued collaboration and innovation to further promote safe and affordable drinking water in the United States.

Visit the AWWA SDWA website for more information about our SDWA 50th Anniversary recognitions and additional resources.

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Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most vital resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.