Environment - Safe Drinking Water

Safe Drinking Water

March 23, 2004
More Questions on Preventing District Drinking Water Contamination
Following a Government Reform Committee hearing, Rep. Waxman, Chairman Davis, Congresswoman Norton, and Rep. Van Hollen detail further questions on the roles and responsibilities of EPA, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Washington Aqueduct in preventing lead contamination in the District's drinking water supply.

March 17, 2004
In Light of District Drinking Water Contamination, Members Urge Changes to EPA Lead Rule
Rep. Waxman, Chairman Davis, and Congresswoman Norton urge EPA to address weaknesses in the drinking water lead rule, including the lack of enforceable standards and shortcomings in public notification requirements.

March 1, 2004
EPA Questioned on Obligation to Ensure Safe Drinking Water in DC
Rep. Waxman, Chairman Davis, and Congresswoman Norton seek information on whether EPA adequately carried out its responsibility to prevent lead contamination in tap water in the District of Columbia.

2001
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Through his position as Ranking Member of the House Government Reform Committee, Rep. Waxman worked to block the Administration from loosening standards prohibiting cancer-causing arsenic in tap water. Visit the Government Reform Committee’s minority website to learn more about Rep. Waxman’s work.
Information on the Government Reform Committee’s minority website

Rep. Waxman’s Work to Enact the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which was originally enacted into law in 1974, focuses on ensuring that public drinking water meets appropriate safety standards; in contrast, the Clean Water Act regulates pollution in our nation's lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. In 1996, Rep. Waxman successfully led the fight in the House of Representatives for a tougher law that would guarantee the public's right-to-know. The new law had broad bipartisan support and was endorsed by industry, state and local governments, and public health and environmental groups.
Learn more about Rep. Waxman’s work on the Safe Drinking Water Act