Celebrating clean and safe water
On October 18, the Clean Water Act celebrated its 35th birthday. The Act plays an important role in protecting our nation’s waterways, including rivers, streams, and lakes, from pollution. It even gives citizens the right to help enforce it. But there’s more to be done. According to Waterkeeper, an environmental advocacy organization, our waterways are still polluted and protective measures are slipping. To learn more and find out how you can help, visit Waterkeeper’s Take Action page.
Later this year, the nation’s Safe Drinking Water Act will also celebrate a birthday – it’ll be 33 years old this December. Unlike the Clean Water Act, which addresses surface waters, this Act helps to ensure the safety of our drinking water, including ground water. Maintaining drinking water quality in the years ahead will depend heavily on updating what is, in many parts of the country, a very old and decaying water-supply infrastructure. To find about the safety of your drinking water, read Is your tap water safe to drink?
RELATED LINKS:
Is your water safe to drink? 10/07
U.S. EPA Ground water and drinking water page
U.S. EPA Clean Water Act page
Waterkeeper Alliance Web site
U.S. PIRG: Troubled Waters report 10/07
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