Federal Water Requirements: Challenges to Estimating the Cost
Impact on Local Communities GAO-06-151R, Nov 30, 2005 -
Accessible Text: Under the Safe Drinking Water Act and the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly referred to as the
Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
responsibility for protecting public health and welfare, as well
as the integrity of our nation's waters. Federal water
requirements under these acts affect facilities providing the
most basic services at the local level, including drinking water
treatment plants and distribution systems; wastewater treatment
plants and collection systems; and storm sewer systems, which
collect storm water, or the runoff created by rainfall and other
types of wet weather. For example, depending on the
circumstances, local communities may have to pay for installing
new treatment technologies or taking other measures so that
community-based or regional facilities can meet applicable water
quality standards. Nationwide, there are