By Abbas Nazil
American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), a landmark legislation that has transformed public health and water quality nationwide.
Signed into law on December 16, 1974, the SDWA set federal standards for drinking water, ensuring that millions of Americans have access to clean and safe water.
Reflecting on this milestone, American Water highlighted the profound impact of the SDWA over the last five decades and acknowledged the vital role it has played in safeguarding public health.
“Today, we reflect on 50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act and are reminded of its profound impact on the nation’s public drinking water supply,” said Susan Hardwick, Chief Executive Officer of American Water.
“From scientists to operators, we celebrate and thank the dedicated professionals who ensure we continue to deliver safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water to the communities we serve nationwide,” she said.
The Safe Drinking Water Act, widely regarded as a cornerstone of environmental and public health policy, established a robust regulatory framework to monitor and improve drinking water quality across the United States.
It empowered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set enforceable health standards for contaminants in drinking water and required water utilities to adhere to rigorous testing and reporting protocols.
Over the past 50 years, the SDWA has led to a dramatic reduction in waterborne illnesses and a consistent supply of high-quality water to American households.
As a leading utility provider, American Water has been instrumental in upholding the principles of the SDWA.
The company emphasized its ongoing commitment to meeting emerging challenges in water safety, including infrastructure modernization, resilience to climate change, and addressing new contaminants.
Looking to the future, American Water announced plans to invest more than $40 billion over the next decade in infrastructure repairs, system replacements, and increased resiliency.
These investments are designed to ensure that its systems can adapt to evolving challenges while continuing to provide reliable service.
The company stressed that these investments align with the spirit of the SDWA, which prioritizes public health and proactive water management.
By modernizing aging infrastructure and introducing innovative water treatment technologies, American Water aims to protect water sources and maintain the highest safety standards for its customers and the broader community.
The 50th anniversary of the SDWA also serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to safeguard public health. Beyond compliance, the law has fostered collaboration among policymakers, scientists, engineers, and operators to advance water quality standards.
American Water acknowledged this collective achievement, recognizing the contributions of water professionals across the country who work tirelessly to ensure that safe drinking water is accessible to all.
While celebrating the progress made, American Water emphasized that the work is far from over. Emerging challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and the presence of new contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) demand continued vigilance and investment.
The company reaffirmed its dedication to addressing these challenges, ensuring that future generations benefit from the SDWA’s legacy.
As the nation reflects on 50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act, American Water stands as a proud steward of its mission.
With a forward-looking approach, the company is poised to build on the successes of the past while shaping a resilient future for water quality and public health. END
Source: BUSINESS WIRE