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"JUST ADD WATER" DRINKING WATER REPORT

05/09/1996
STATEMENT OF CAROL M. BROWNER

                       EPA ADMINISTRATOR

ON "JUST ADD WATER" DRINKING WATER REPORT

                          May 9, 1996

The Clinton Administration believes safe drinking water is the first line of defense in protecting public health from
environmental threats. We are currently working in partnership with drinking water systems around the nation to target the
greatest risks to public health. We have begun to collect the information needed to set the first health standard for
cryptosporidium in drinking water, one of today's chief public health concerns. While U.S. drinking water continues to be
among the very safest in the world, we cannot take that safety for granted. Constant vigilance is required.


Our goal in working with Congress is to develop a revised Safe Drinking Water Act that will provide greater protections for
Americans. Making consumers aware of water quality is one of the strongest steps we can take to assure the highest quality
of drinking water for all Americans. We believe that the revision of the Safe Drinking Water Act should include provisions
that will guarantee the American people the right to know about contaminants in their drinking water. A strong Safe Drinking
Water Act also should include measures to prevent contamination of the sources of drinking water, so that Americans can be
assured of having purer water at the tap.