DALLAS, TEXAS, Dec. 31, 2014 -- With federal infrastructure improvement loan assistance to eligible entities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state of Texas are collaborating to improve public water systems across the state.
The Texas Water Development Board will receive over $63 million to fund various safe drinking water programs to emphasize comprehensive public health protection from the source to the tap, as well as establish the loan program for financing infrastructure projects.
The grant was awarded as part of the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to make funds available to drinking water systems to finance infrastructure improvements. The program also emphasizes providing funds to small and disadvantaged communities and to programs that encourage pollution prevention as a tool for ensuring safe drinking water.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (see: "Safe Drinking Water Act celebrates 40th anniversary"). The Act was passed to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply.
Millions of Americans receive drinking water every day from public water systems. EPA works with states and other organizations to protect against naturally-occurring and man-made contaminants that can be found in drinking water.
Over the past 40 years, EPA has made great progress protecting drinking water, but many challenges remain. The Agency is committed to working with states, tribes, water sector partners, and the public to meet the challenges ahead and continue protecting public health.
See also:
"Texas launches new state-of-the-art water technology accelerator"
"EPA awards Texas $2.5M to address petroleum leaks in underground storage tanks"
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