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GAO-06-151R 1 (2005-11-30)

handle is hein.gao/gaocrptasff0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Sai Accountability * Integrity * Reliability United States Government Accountability Office Washington, DC 20548 November 30, 2005 The Honorable James M. Inhofe Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works United States Senate The Honorable Mike Crapo United States Senate Subject: Federal Water Requirements: Challenges to Estimating the Cost Impact on Local Communities 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 roughly 53,000 community drinking water systems,' 17,000 municipal wastewater treatment plants, and 7,000 communities served by municipal storm sewer collection systems2 that may be affected by federal water requirements. While recognizing the public health and environmental benefits of federal water requirements, communities are increasingly voicing concerns about the financial burden imposed by these requirements-in particular, the projected costs of more recent regulations and their cumulative costs over time. Over the years, EPA, water and community associations, and other parties have developed various estimates of some of the different costs related to ensuring clean water and safe drinking water. Additionally, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires EPA to prepare a written statement identifying the costs and benefits of federal mandates contained in 'There are also roughly 107,000 noncommunity water systems that may be affected by federal drinking water requirements. About 19,000 of these systems are located at facilities such as schools, factories, and hospitals, which regularly serve at least 25 of the same people at least 6 months per year. The remaining noncommunity water systems are located at facilities, such as gas stations and campgrounds, which serve transient populations. 'Some municipalities have separate collection systems for wastewater and storm water, and some have combined collection systems. Both types may be affected by federal requirements and are included in this figure. GAO-06-151R Federal Water Requirements Page 1

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