Abstract |
This report is submitted to Congress by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act (Section 1442(c)) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act (Section 516(e)). It documents a national assessment and analysis of issues related to: (1) the adequacy and dependability of safe drinking water supplies, including quantity, quality, cost, and treatment processes; and, (2) opportunities to coordinate water supply and municipal wastewater treatment plans. The study builds on recent data and results of public workshops held throughout the country to address more specifically: (1) coordination mechanisms available through major Federal programs; (2) advantages and disadvantages of conservation and reuse; (3) contamination of groundwater resources and management improvements needed; and, (4) problems unique to small water supply systems. |