Safe Drinking Water Act
Also known as: SDWA
Signed into law by Gerald Ford
December 16, 1974
The SDWA was enacted to protect public health by ensuring the quality of drinking water. The EPA sets drinking water standards to protect against natural and man-made contaminants. The SDWA includes a provision that prohibits discrimination against an employee who reports a violation of the SDWA.
Enforcement & Remedies
The EPA administers the general provisions of the SDWA, but an employee’s discrimination complaint under the SDWA must be filed with the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration within 30 days after a violation. Remedies available to an employee who has been discriminated against in violation of the SDWA include reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees.
Notable sponsors: Warren Magnuson
Full text of law:
Safe Drinking Water Act
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
Key provisions in U.S. Code:
Protections for employees who report water safety issues: 42 U.S.C. §300j-9(i)
Full codification information at Legal Information Institute
Related TELG Cases:
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