Water Community Celebrates The Safe Drinking Water Act During Drinking Water Week

As Drinking Water Week continues, the American Water Works Association and water professionals across the country are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Safe Drinking Water Act is celebrating 40 years of working diligently to safeguard the quality of drinking water in the United States. The Safe Drinking Water Act is a federal law that went into effect in 1974, and it works through effectively setting health-based standards and regulations and overseeing drinking water suppliers. Amendments to the Act in 1986 and 1996 increased the effectiveness and protection of drinking water and drinking water sources.

Currently in the U.S., community water systems are required to monitor their drinking water multiple times per day to test for more than 90 contaminants and report any violations that may have occurred.

“It’s important to applaud the accomplishments of the Safe Drinking Water Act which ensures that when the tap is turned on, safe and reliable water flows out,” said AWWA Chief Executive Officer David LaFrance. “Thanks to the Safe Drinking Water Act, many enjoy pure and superb drinking water.”

More information about the Safe Drinking Water Act is available on the U.S. EPA’s website (http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/index.cfm).

About Drinking Water Week
For more than 35 years, AWWA and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Additional information about Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download and celebration ideas, is available on the Drinking Water Week web page (http://www.awwa.org/resources-tools/public-affairs/public-affairs-events/drinking-water-week.aspx).

About The American Water Works Association
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 important 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.