Celebrating 50 Years of the Safe Drinking Water Act
American Water launches a nationwide celebration recognizing the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), a law passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation’s public drinking water supply, through 50 days of highlights from October 28, 2024 through December 16, 2024.
"Reflecting on 50 years of the Safe Drinking Water Act, we are reminded of the profound impact it has had on the nation's public drinking water supply," said Lynda DiMenna, Vice President and Chief Environmental Officer, American Water. "At American Water, we are proud to advocate and advance the legacy of this vital legislation, while we continue to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable water to the communities we serve nationwide."
Check out the countdown below! Also, be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly as we continue to add to the list.
DAY 50: Mon., Oct. 28
Nearly fifty years ago, on December 16, 1974, the U.S. government passed the Safe Drinking Water Act! To recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary, for the next fifty days, American Water will highlight how we treat and deliver high-quality and safe drinking water to customers in the communities across the nation that we are privileged to serve.
DAY 49: Tues., Oct. 29
Be aware that any operation of a fire hydrant without a permit is illegal. Every open hydrant affects water pressure, which is needed to deliver water to your tap and when firefighters are fighting a fire. Keep them closed and report any open hydrants to us or 911 immediately.
DAY 48: Wed., Oct. 30
To help ensure we deliver safe, clean drinking water, American Water tests for more than 90 regulated compounds, including PFAS, as required by state and federal drinking water standards, as well as unregulated compounds.
DAY 47: Thurs., Oct. 31
American Water is an industry leader and works with the US EPA and state environmental regulators to implement existing and future drinking water standards and regulations.
DAY 46: Fri., Nov. 1
American Water has earned 66 Directors Awards from the Partnership for Safe Water program for our long-term commitment to optimizing operations and achieving outstanding performance. For more information about this program, visit https://www.awwa.org/programs/partnership-for-safe-water/treatment/
DAY 45: Sat., Nov. 2
American Water recognizes the SDWA’s 50-year impact on water quality and emphasizes the need for continued investment to address emerging challenges in water safety and quality. We expect to invest $34 to $38 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, and system resiliency over the next ten years. For more information, visit https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/infrastructure.
DAY 44: Sun., Nov. 3
American Water meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards and regulations. We are committed to removing lead and galvanized pipes from service lines. For more information about American Water’s lead service line replacement program in your area, visit https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/Lead-And-Drinking-Water/ and then click on your state.
DAY 43: Mon., Nov. 4
We are the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. Our expertise and use of technology and economies of scale help us provide high-quality service at an exceptional value.
DAY 42: Tues., Nov. 5
Did you know? The average, daily amount of water that American Water supplies to our customers across our national footprint is over 4.3 million cubic meters per day!
DAY 41: Wed., Nov. 6
The sources of drinking water across our national footprint include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, aquifers and groundwater. To find out where your drinking water is sourced from, visit https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/water-quality-reports.
DAY 40: Thurs., Nov. 7
In 1996, amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act emphasized the importance of pollution prevention to protect the safety of drinking water supplies.
American Water meets or surpasses federal and state drinking water standards and regulations. For more information about your drinking water, check out your Water Quality Report here: https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/water-quality-reports.
DAY 39: Fri., Nov. 8
November 8th is recognized annually as National STEM/STEAM Day. In case you missed it, the American Water Charitable Foundation recently awarded a combined total of $825,000 to 31 organizations across the U.S., supporting communities served by American Water through the 2024 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs.
Read the full release: https://www.amwater.com/press-room/press-releases/awcf/american-water-charitable-foundation-awards-825-000-through-workforce-readiness-and-stem-education-grant-programs
For a full list of 2024 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grantees, visit: https://www.amwater.com/awcfgrants
DAY 38: Sat., Nov. 9
In case you missed it, back in August, the American Water Charitable Foundation shared an update from a Water and Environment Grant Program recipient, Upstream Alliance. They are adding a 49-foot solar-electric education vessel to their fleet. Currently still under construction, it will soon serve as a floating classroom, providing on-the-water educational experiences for students in Camden, NJ.
DAY 37: Sun., Nov. 10
Earlier this year, the American Water Charitable Foundation announced that it awarded a combined total of $1 million to 59 organizations across 11 states, supporting communities American Water serves through the 2024 Water and Environment Grant Program.
Carrie Williams, American Water Charitable Foundation President, shared: “The [Foundation] is pleased to partner with eligible organizations to provide equitable and accessible projects and programs focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education and water-based recreation across American Water's footprint. The Water and Environment Grant Program allows us to continue focusing on our core passion of water while engaging community members in learning how every drop counts."
Read the full release: https://www.amwater.com/press-room/press-releases/corporate/american-water-charitable-foundation-awards-1-million-through-2024-water-and-environment-grant-program
DAY 36: Mon., Nov. 11
We honor all who have served on Veterans Day, and every day. The American Water Military Services Group is also proud to provide water and/or wastewater services on 18 military installations.
Learn more: https://www.amwater.com/corp/Products-Services/Military-Services/site-locations
DAY 35: Tues., Nov. 12
What can you do to protect your drinking water supply?
Quality drinking water starts upstream. Everyone can help to maintain and improve drinking water supplies. On Days 35 through 30, we will share some simple steps you can take to save water at home.
One way to conserve water is by regularly checking your faucets, toilet, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection kits. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible. It'll conserve water and save you money, too!
Learn more about detecting leaks and download a leak detection kit here: https://www.amwater.com/resources/pdf/AMER0231_LeakDetectionKitWeb_Layoutopt.pdf
DAY 34: Wed., Nov. 13
Another easy way to conserve water is to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink. It'll also save you money!
DAY 33: Thurs., Nov. 14
You can also reduce your water use by washing only full loads of laundry and dishes or using the appropriate load size selection. It’ll save you money too!
DAY 32: Fri., Nov. 15
Conserve water by installing water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators in the bathroom and kitchen. It’ll save you money as well!
DAY 31: Sat., Nov. 16
Conserve water by washing your car at a car wash instead of at home. A car wash uses much less water and often recycles it, too.
DAY 30: Sun., Nov. 17
Remember to turn off automatic lawn and garden sprinklers and irrigation systems when it’s raining outside, at the end of the growing season, and during droughts. If you haven’t winterized yet, plan to do so before temperatures drop below freezing to prevent damage and save money.
DAY 29: Mon., Nov. 18
American Water established its own internal water science research program in 1981, making it the longest-running in the United States. Our priority continues to be providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water service for our customers. The source of that supply is an important part of that, so we work to understand and reduce potential risks.
DAY 28: Tues., Nov. 19
Each year, our employees help to protect drinking water sources through community volunteering and engagement.
DAY 27: Wed., Nov. 20
Through the American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant Program, funding is provided for high-impact projects and programs that improve water resources and education in communities across American Water’s national footprint. Learn more at https://www.amwater.com/awcf.
DAY 26: Thurs., Nov. 21
Don’t believe what you see on TV – medications should NOT be flushed down the toilet. Instead, help keep your water source clean, preserve the environment, and protect public health by safely disposing of them via one of numerous drop-off locations.
To find out where you can act locally, outside of the biannual #TakeBackDay hosted by the Drug Enforcement Agency every spring and fall, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday and click on the "Resources" link at the top.
DAY 25: Fri., Nov. 22
We’re working to get the lead out with our lead service line replacement program. For more information about how to determine your service line material and report it, click the link below and then select your state: https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/Lead-And-Drinking-Water/
DAY 24: Sat., Nov. 23
American Water recognizes the SDWA’s 50-year impact on water quality and continues to emphasize the need for continued investment to address emerging challenges in water safety and quality. Over the next ten years, we plan to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement and system resiliency.
For more information, visit https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/infrastructure.
DAY 23: Sun., Nov. 24
Help protect your drinking water sources by checking for leaks from automobiles and heating fuel tanks, cleaning up any spills by using absorbent materials like cat litter, and sweeping up the material to place in a sealed bag. Check with your local refuse facility for proper disposal.
DAY 22: Mon., Nov. 25
Providing educational resources is one way we help to protect your drinking water supply. Ahead of the holiday season, check out this video to learn how to protect your pipes and dispose of FOG (fats, oils, grease) in the trash instead of pouring them down the drain.
DAY 21: Tues., Nov. 26
To help protect your drinking water sources, take part in watershed activities such as clean-ups in your local community.
DAY 20: Wed., Nov. 27
Earlier this year, American Water Senior Scientist, Research & Development, Dr. Christiane Hoppe-Jones shared about our continued focus on water quality and treatment technologies that contribute to providing clean, safe, high-quality drinking water for our customers.
DAY 19: Thurs., Nov. 28
The day after Thanksgiving is nicknamed “Brown Friday” due to it being the busiest day of the year for plumbers. Have a happier Thanksgiving, and help yourself avoid having issues with your pipes with this tip: Don’t pour fats, oil, and/or grease down the drain.
DAY 18: Fri., Nov. 29
Review the below graphics to learn about the water treatment process. We appreciate all our employees who work hard at every stage to provide safe, clean and reliable drinking water, especially during a holiday weekend!
DAY 17: Sat., Nov. 30
Earlier this year, American Water Principal Scientist, Research & Development, Dr. Lauren Weinrich shared about how we are prepared to address new national drinking water standards for PFAS. Learn more: https://www.amwater.com/press-room/press-releases/corporate/american-water-prepared-to-meet-final-us-epa-pfas-rule.
DAY 16: Sun., Dec. 1
Earlier this year, American Water Environmental Compliance and Stewardship Director, Matt Corson shared about our response to the EPA’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
For more information about how to determine your service line material and report it, click the link below and then select your state: https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/Lead-And-Drinking-Water/.
DAY 15: Mon., Dec. 2
American Water CEO Susan Hardwick highlights our commitment to delivering consistent, safe, and reliable water and wastewater solutions across communities we serve nationwide.
DAY 14: Tues., Dec. 3
When mixed with water, tiny air bubbles from the aerator prevent the water from splashing too much. Because the water flow is less, often half the regular flow, aerators also help to conserve water and lower your bill. We also recommend cleaning and/or changing them at least twice a year.
DAY 13: Wed., Dec. 4
Help avoid frozen pipes this winter, check out these tips! For more information about how to locate your main water shut-off valve so you can find it quickly in an emergency, visit https://press.amwater.com/posts/blogposts/fall-checklist-to-help-avoid-frozen-pipes-thi.
DAY 12: Thurs., Dec. 5
We routinely sample and analyze our source water, water quality throughout our treatment process and distribution system to deliver water service that meets all the drinking water standards established by state and federal regulations. Summaries of our test results are distributed to our customers annually in a Customer Confidence Report.
For more information about your drinking water, check out your Customer Confidence Report, also known as a Water Quality Report, visit: https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/water-quality-reports.
DAY 11: Fri., Dec. 6
Water Quality FAQ: Have you ever wondered why water straight from the tap sometimes looks cloudy?
Cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to the gas bubbles in soda. The water is safe to drink and meets all regulatory requirements, however, after a while, the bubbles rise to the top and the cloudiness will clear. This occurs more often in winter when the drinking water is cold and the home, along with its plumbing, is heated. Check out the above video for more information!
DAY 10: Sat., Dec. 7
Did you know? Every customer is connected to a main through what is called a service line. Service lines were made of lead up until the 1980s and we are committed to removing lead and galvanized pipes from service lines.
For more information about American Water’s lead service line replacement program in your area, visit https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/Lead-And-Drinking-Water/ and then click on your state.
DAY 9: Sun., Dec. 8
We continually test for lead in drinking water and are working to remove lead and galvanized pipes from service lines across the country.
For more information about American Water’s lead service line replacement program in your area, visit www.amwater.com/leadfacts and then click on your state.
DAY 8: Mon., Dec. 9
We’re working to get the lead out! Customers, you can help too! Report your water service line material with our online map. These can include lead, plastic, copper, galvanized, ductile.
For more information about American Water’s lead service line replacement program in your area and how to report your water service line material, visit www.amwater.com/leadfacts and then click on your state.
DAY 7: Tues., Dec. 10
We continuously invest in our infrastructure to support the provision of safe and reliable water service to our customers. Since 2017, American Water has replaced over 40,000 lead/galvanized service lines across our national footprint. Learn more: https://ir.amwater.com/sustainability/
DAY 6: Wed., Dec. 11
Who owns the water service line? Many assume that their water utility owns and operates the entire water service line. The fact is that the utility only owns a portion of it, typically from the main to the curb stop, found near the street curb or sidewalk.
DAY 5: Thurs., Dec. 12
To help ensure that we provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water, our experts continuously monitor our distribution systems for disinfectant residuals and the presence of bacteria.
For more information about your drinking water, check out your Water Quality Report at https://www.amwater.com/corp/Water-Quality-Wastewater-Service/water-quality-reports.
DAY 4: Fri., Dec. 13
We’re asking all pet owners to take a moment to ‘paws’ and protect our water! When not disposed of properly, pet waste introduces harmful nutrients and pathogens into our source water. This affects source water quality and can make drinking water treatment more challenging and costly. The best defense is to consistently clean up after your pets do their business and to dispose of their waste in garbage bins.
DAY 3: Sat., Dec. 14
America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA) provisions are the most far-reaching changes to the Safe Drinking Water Act since the 1996 Amendments, with over 30 mandated programs. We continue to complete risk and resilience assessments for about 150 of our public water systems to achieve compliance with each recurring cycle required by AWIA.
DAY 2: Sun., Dec. 15
Did you know the Safe Drinking Water Act not only sets standards for our tap water but also mandates protection of the source water in the environment? This helps ensure cleaner rivers, lakes and aquifers, ultimately leading to safer drinking water for everyone.
DAY 1: Mon., Dec. 16
Today is the day! Cheers to the 50th Anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act! This landmark law has safeguarded public health by protecting drinking water quality since its passage on December 16, 1974.
We recognize the SDWA's 50-year impact on water quality and emphasize the need for continued investment to address emerging challenges in water safety and quality. We expect to invest over $40 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, and system resiliency over the next 10 years. This investment aligns with the spirit of the Safe Drinking Water Act and its mission to safeguard public health for not only American Water customers but communities across the nation.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities. American Water has been included in the top 10% of America’s Most JUST Companies by JUST Capital and CNBC, is ranked number one in the utilities industry for the 2024 Forbes American’s Best Large Employers, has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, is the highest-ranked water and wastewater utility on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2024 List, and has earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions. For more information, visit amwater.com.
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