<\/p>\nMISCELLANEOUS<\/h3>\n
<\/a>LEAD LEACHING STANDARD: If a voluntary standard for the leaching of lead from new plumbing fittings and fixtures is not established within one year of the effective date of the Act, then EPA must promulgate regulations setting a performance based standard for lead leaching levels from such components. (Note: A voluntary standard is now in place.) [1417] Sec. 118<\/p>\n
LEAD PROHIBITION: Two years after enactment, it becomes illegal for any pipe or plumbing fixture that is not lead-free to be introduced into commerce. The exception is pipes used in manufacturing or industrial processing. It will also be illegal, two years after enactment, to sell solder or flux that is not lead-free. Solder that is not lead-free may be sold if it bears a prominent label stating that it is illegal to use it in the installation or repair of plumbing providing water for human consumption. [1417] Sec. 118<\/p>\n
LIMITED ALTERNATIVE TO FILTRATION: States may allow unfiltered water systems with surface water sources to use treatment other than filtration. In order to qualify for alternative treatment, a water system must have an uninhabited, undeveloped watershed in consolidated ownership and have control over access to and activities in the watershed. The alternative treatment must ensure greater removal or inactivation efficiencies of pathogenic organisms than would be achieved by the combination of filtration and chlorine disinfection required by section 1412 (b)(7)(C). [1412(b)(7)(C)] Sec. 106<\/p>\n
GRANTS FOR ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGES: The Administrator is authorized to make grants to the State of Alaska to pay 50 percent of the cost of improving sanitation for rural and Alaska Native villages. Grants will be for development and construction of public water and wastewater systems and also for training, technical assistance, and educational programs. The State may use up to 4 percent of the amount of the grant for related administrative expenses. EPA is required to consult with the State of Alaska to prioritize the needs of individual villages. Authorization for this provision is at $15,000,000 for each FY’97-2000. Title III–Sec. 303<\/p>\n
RELATIONSHIP OF GRANTS TO DWSRF FUND: A “Sense of the Congress” states that appropriations for grants should not be provided for watershed protection in New York City’s watersheds, sanitation improvements at colonias, or sanitation improvements for Alaska Native Villages if such appropriations would prevent adequate funding for state revolving loan funds. Title III–Sec 304<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON AQUEDUCT: Congress grants consent for the District of Columbia, Arlington County, VA and the city of Falls Church to establish an entity to operate, maintain and manage the Washington Aqueduct. The Secretary of the Army is required to develop a plan, within 1 year, for the transfer of the Washington Aqueduct to a non-Federal entity. The Corps of Engineers is authorized to borrow up to $29 million in 1997, 424 million for 1998, and $22 million for 1999 to carry out capital improvements until the time of transfer. ( Title III–Sec. 304.) The Secretary of the Army may not pass on the costs of an enforcement penalty to the customers of the Washington Aqueduct system. [1447] Sec.129(c)<\/p>\n
DRINKING WATER FUNDS FOR COLONIAS: EPA and other appropriate Federal agencies are authorized to award grants to Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, to provide assistance (up to 50% of project costs) to colonias where the residents are subject to a significant health risk attributable to the lack of access to an adequate and affordable drinking water system. Appropriations of $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1997 through 1999 is authorized. [1456] Sec. 135<\/p>\n
WASTEWATER FUNDS FOR COLONIAS: The Administrator is authorized to make grants for planning, design, construction, or improvement of sewers, treatment works, and appropriate connections for wastewater treatment for colonias. Grants cannot exceed 50 percent of the cost of carrying out any project. $25 million is authorized for this provision in fiscal years 1997 through 1999. Title III–Sec. 307<\/p>\n
ZEBRA MUSSEL CONTROL: The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 is amended to include Lake Champlain at 16 U.S.C. 4701(a). Provision references zebra mussel control in Lake Champlain. Title III–Sec. 308<\/p>\n
DEFINITIONAL CHANGE FOR ANALYTIC METHODS: Modifies the pre-existing requirement that national primary drinking water regulations (NPDWR) contain quality control and testing procedures for compliance purposes to now require “accepted methods for” quality control and testing procedures. After the promulgation of a NPDWR, EPA is allowed to “add equally effective” quality control and testing procedures through guidance published in the Federal Register. [1401] Sec. 101(a)<\/p>\n
DEFINITION OF COMMUNITY\/NONCOMMUNITY SYSTEM: “Community water system” is defined as a public water system that has at least 15 service connections or serves 25 persons year-round. “Noncommunity water system” is defined as a public water system that is not a community water system. [1401] Sec. 101(a)<\/p>\n
OPEN CONVEYANCES: The general definition of “public water system” (PWS) is broadened from water systems that deliver water through pipes to include systems that use “construct-ed conveyances.” However, certain connections that might otherwise qualify a system as a public water system under the broadened definition are excluded from consideration where: the water is not used for “residential uses”; alternative water is provided for drinking and cooking; or water for drinking, cooking, and bathing is treated (centrally or by point of entry). Alternative or treated water must provide a level of health protection equivalent to the applicable standard(s). A transition period of 2 years is provided for compliance. [1401] Sec. 101(b)<\/p>\n
RETURN FLOW: Repeals Section 3013 of PL 102-486 (Energy Act). Deletes Energy Act provision which encourages the use of heat exchange units. Title III<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATERSHEDS
\n(Title IV–does not amend the SDWA)<\/h3>\n
<\/a>GRANT AUTHORITY: EPA may provide technical and financial assistance in the form of grants to States for water supply improvements and for source water quality programs consistent with Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (to address contaminants for the purpose of making supplies usable for water systems). Not more than 30% of funds appropriated may be used for Section 319 activities. Title IV<\/p>\n
USE OF GRANTS: As a condition for receiving a grant, a State must ensure that assistance will be used in the most cost-effective manner. The Federal share of activities funded with grants shall be 50 percent. Title IV<\/p>\n
FUNDING LEVELS: Annual funding of $25 million is authorized for grants for fiscal years 1997-2003. An additional $25 million is authorized for each fiscal year 1997-2003 if the appropriations for the Drinking Water DWSRF exceed 75% of the authorized level ($1 billion is authorized for the DWSRF). Title IV
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