Safe drinking water law marks 50 years, but challenges persist – Environmental Health News

The Safe Drinking Water Act Turns 50: Ensuring Access to Clean Water for All

Fifty years after the Safe Drinking Water Act became law, millions of people still lack reliable access to clean water, particularly in marginalized communities and small towns. This article explores the current state of safe drinking water in the United States and the challenges that persist.

In Short:

• The 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act established national standards for tap water safety, benefiting the majority of Americans.
• However, challenges remain, including aging infrastructure, climate impacts, and disparities that disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities.
• Small water systems struggle with compliance, and some experts argue that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should prioritize infrastructure reliability over new contaminant regulations.

Key Quote:

“You can’t talk about the future of safe drinking water without talking about how to pay for it.”
– Rob Greer, Texas A&M University

Why This Matters:

While the Safe Drinking Water Act has significantly improved water quality for many Americans, millions, especially those in low-income or rural areas, still face the challenge of unsafe drinking water. Adequate funding for infrastructure repairs and equitable access is crucial to ensure that everyone can trust the water coming from their taps and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of clean water and sanitation for all.

Related: More than half the world lacks safe drinking water at home

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article discusses the lack of reliable access to clean water, particularly in marginalized communities and small towns. This directly relates to SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article mentions disparities affecting Black and Hispanic communities in terms of access to clean water. This aligns with SDG 10, which focuses on reducing inequalities within and among countries.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article highlights the challenges faced by small water systems, particularly in rural areas. This connects to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all

The article emphasizes the need for reliable access to clean water for all Americans, especially those in low-income or rural areas.

Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status

The article highlights the disparities affecting Black and Hispanic communities in terms of access to safe drinking water, indicating the need for social and economic inclusion.

Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums

While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the challenges faced by small water systems in rural areas can be connected to the need for adequate and safe basic services in communities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention specific indicators. However, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services

This indicator can measure progress towards achieving universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability

This indicator can measure progress towards reducing inequalities in access to safe drinking water, particularly among different demographic groups.

Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing

While not explicitly mentioned in the article, this indicator can measure progress towards ensuring access to adequate and safe basic services, including water, in communities.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ehn.org