[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              SUPPORT OF THE SAFE DRINKING WATER REFORM ACT

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                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Safe 
Drinking Water Act Amendments (H.R. 3392). This measure makes 
significant improvements to the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure 
protection of human health.
  Recent incidents have brought attention to the safety of the water 
supply. Last year, in the city of Milwaukee, an outbreak of waterborne 
diseases caused illness in nearly 400,000 people and 104 deaths. 
Additionally, problems with a water facility in Washington, DC caused 
concern regarding the safety of the drinking water. While many have 
taken out drinking water supply for granted in the past, these episodes 
have enhanced awareness of water quality, and encouraged people to find 
alternative sources for drinking water. Increased use of alternative 
sources of water could place minority and poor communities at a 
disadvantage. Low-income persons cannot afford the additional costs of 
bottled water and home purification systems.
  The Safe Drinking Water Amendments include provisions to establish a 
new revolving loan fund to provide money to States and local 
governments to improve drinking water treatment plants. The legislation 
also directs the Environmental Protection Agency to change the current 
system for writing rules for contaminants, requiring the agency to 
develop regulations for the contaminants in drinking water that pose 
the greatest risk to human health. By assisting localities in providing 
quality water, the Safe Drinking Water Act will help assure that all 
Americans have access to a safe water supply.

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