EPA Celebrates 50 Years of Safe and Clean Drinking Water
WASHINGTON – Today, December 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency marked the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), passed in 1974 to set federal standards for drinking-water quality. President Joe Biden issued a statement commemorating the Safe Drinking Water Act’s 50th anniversary.
Since December 16, 1974 — when Congress passed the Safe Drinking Act legislation that President Gerald Ford signed into law — EPA has worked with federal partners, states, tribes, and local officials, water systems, private companies, and the public to achieve the vision of the Safe Drinking Water Act, that people across America have clean and safe drinking water.
“For 50 years, EPA has worked with states, Tribes, and local partners to ensure that communities across the country can count on safe drinking water. As a result, Americans are leading longer, healthier lives while the foundation of safe drinking water attracts businesses to communities and fosters opportunity,” said Bruno Pigott, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “The Safe Drinking Water Act provides a framework for developing collaborative solutions to address drinking water challenges of today and tomorrow.”
Today, the work to protect drinking water remains essential to supporting vibrant communities across the country. In October, EPA finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements to replace toxic lead pipes that deliver drinking water to people’s homes. Also, this year, EPA issued the first drinking water standards for PFAS that the agency estimates will protect nearly 100 million people from exposure to these toxic “forever chemicals” in drinking water.
“Before the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, there was no comprehensive federal regulation protecting drinking water. Thanks to the Safe Drinking Water Act, and significant reforms since then, we’ve made immense progress in our efforts to ensure every American has access to safe, clean, and reliable drinking water,” Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) said. “The Safe Drinking Water Act’s 50th anniversary is an opportunity for us to celebrate this progress and to reflect on the importance of continuing to make clean drinking water a reality for every American.”
“In the richest countries in the world, access to safe and affordable drinking water should be a right—not a privilege,” Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) said. “I am proud of the work we have done together to build on the Safe Drinking Water Act’s legacy to strengthen and set much-needed drinking water standards for lead and toxic PFAS chemicals in water. I will not stop fighting until every mid-Michigan family has access to the clean drinking water they deserve.”
“Clean water is a basic human right. In my home state of Michigan, we know too well how fiercely we must work to keep our water free of lead, PFAS, and other hazards,” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said. “Today we recognize the progress made by the landmark Safe Drinking Water Act, and recommit to working to ensure every family in America has access to clean and safe water.”
A Safe Drinking Water Timeline:
- Between 1961 and 1970, officials documented over 46,000 cases of waterborne hepatitis, salmonellosis, and gastroenteritis — diseases caused by chlorine-resistant pathogens.
- SDWA protects public health and creates thriving communities by limiting contaminants in our drinking water for half a century.
- Implementation of infrastructure investment programs created by SDWA help communities comply with drinking water quality standards and tackle local challenges.