Putting Drinking Water First

This paper examines how weakening Clean Water Act oil and gas wastewater pollution limits would threaten drinking water. It outlines the known risks associated with this harmful wastewater, highlights impacts to downstream drinking water, and identifies the significant knowledge gaps that remain. Overall, EPA should be strengthening, not weakening, wastewater discharge standards for the oil and gas industry to better protect drinking water sources and surrounding communities.

This paper makes the case for sustained and equitable federal investment in water infrastructure, highlighting the critical role of State Revolving Funds (SRFs) in delivering safe, affordable drinking water and protecting source water. It outlines the risks of upcoming funding cuts, showcases community impacts, and calls for an all-of-the-above strategy that includes SRFs, WIFIA, technical assistance, and direct grants.

The Clean Water Act is intended to protect waterways from harmful pollutants, yet many streams and wetlands have lost their protections and others continue to be at risk. Streams and wetlands are more than just landscape features — they are critical parts of our natural water infrastructure that influence downstream water quality, including in drinking water sources.