Thursday, Apr 7 2011 10:38PM
The Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act may allow rural areas to receive help from the EPA to ensure the quality of drinking water meets federal standards.
Congressman Bob Filner of California has formally signed on as a co-sponsor of the grassroots Rural and Small Community Water Systems Assistance Act of 2011, according to Imperial Valley News.
The bill would allow rural water operators to seek technical assistance from the federal government in order to ensure their drinking water quality is up to par with nationwide regulations. As rural areas sometimes have limited resources for monitoring EPA standard adherence, the bill would help provide avenues for the EPA to directly help officials manage clean water programs.
"Across the nation, over 90 percent of community water systems serve a population of less than 10,000. This bill will reauthorize technical assistance programs that help small and rural communities, including those in the Imperial Valley, comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act," Congressman Filner told the source.
In addition to the technical assistance sometimes provided by the EPA in carrying out federal regulations, the agency also provides financial help at times. Some community groups may apply for grants from the agency.