The middle-aged Safe Drinking Water Act

摘要

Forty years and numerous amendments and regulations later, the Safe Drinking Water Act is a paragon of legislative success; it will remain a vital piece of legislation as long as its dictates and processes keep pace with current needs. This is an important year for the drinking water community as it is the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). For some people, 40 is the start of middle age. Although I am many years past that birthday myself, I still consider myself middle-aged (some might want to debate that point). At 40, many people start looking back at their lives and taking stock; 2014 offers the opportunity for the drinking water community to take a look back at the SDWA and reflect on past successes and ponder future challenges.