FOR RELEASE:  TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2002

WHITMAN ADDRESSES WATER ISSUES AT AMERICAN METROPOLITAN WATER AGENCIES ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CONFERENCE DETAILS $90 MILLION EPA IS MAKING AVAILABLE FOR WATER SECURITY EFFORT

Robin Woods 202-564-7841 / woods.robin@epa.gov

      U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman today addressed the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies where she emphasized EPA's commitment to assist local utilities in safeguarding the nation's water systems.  Whitman detailed a nearly $90 million national effort that EPA, working with many partners, is undertaking to make drinking water and wastewater utilities as safe as possible as quickly as possible.  Whitman also discussed clean water issues facing the nation such as non-point source pollution and watershed protection.

      "Since September 11, we have moved quickly to help secure America's drinking and wastewater systems against terrorists attacks," Whitman told attendees at the annual conference.  "And you have been right there alongside us.  This work, as well as efforts underway with partners around the country, is critically important to protecting our water supplies and systems effectively and intelligently."

      The largest drinking water systems, those regularly serving over 100,000 people, will be eligible to apply for grants to support completion of vulnerability assessments and other security planning.  Since September 11, water systems across the county have been on heightened alert and increased security measures.  These vulnerability assessments will help systems undertake a more in-depth, comprehensive analysis.  As a result, they will identify their potential vulnerabilities and security upgrades.  Collectively, these large systems provide service to nearly half of Americans served by public water systems.

      EPA will work cooperatively with states, tribes and appropriate organizations to further develop and disseminate tools and support security efforts at small and medium drinking water and wastewater systems.

The nearly $90 million was appropriated by Congress in an FY 2002 supplemental.  Requests for applications for the grants will be distributed in the upcoming weeks.