Contact: 

Marc Morano 202-224-5762 marc_morano@epw.senate.gov 

Matt Dempsey 202-224-9797 matthew_dempsey@epw.senate.gov

Inhofe Urges Quick Response From EPA Regarding The Safety Of Our Nation’s Drinking Water Supply

Calls On EPA To Create Group To Establish Workable And Reasonable Measures To Reduce Public Health Risks From Pharmaceutical Disposal Into Water Supplies

Link to Letter

WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, sent a letter today to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Stephen Johnson, urging the Administrator to provide “assurances to the American public that their drinking water is in fact safe to drink and that there is no immediate health risk.” Senator Inhofe sent the letter following press reports of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals found in drinking water supplies in several regions across the country. A link to the letter is available by clicking here and the text of the letter provided below.

“Serious concerns have been raised by the press regarding the safety of our nation’s drinking water,” Senator Inhofe said. “I believe it’s important for the EPA to provide assurance to the American public that their drinking water is in fact safe to drink and that there is no immediate health risk. As a result, I have written a letter to Administrator Johnson asking him to provide these assurances to the public as soon as possible as well as to create a group of appropriate state and federal experts to establish workable and reasonable measures to reduce public health risks from pharmaceutical disposal into water supplies.  I am confident that EPA will take the necessary steps to ensure the public trust.” 

Dear Administrator Johnson:

Due to the recent press attention pertaining to small traces of pharmaceuticals in drinking water supplies in several regions across the country, I would ask that you provide, in writing and without delay, assurances to the American public that their drinking water is in fact safe to drink and that there is no immediate health risk.

Beyond that assurance, I would ask that the Environmental Protection Agency establish a working group of appropriate state and federal experts or a committee under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) comprised of representatives from state and local water authorities, state departments of environmental quality, federal health agencies, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish workable and reasonable measures to reduce public health risks from pharmaceutical disposal into water supplies.  

I am confident that EPA will take the necessary steps to continue to ensure the public trust.  Please advise my staff if EPA needs additional legislative authority to carry out the goals listed above.

Sincerely, 

Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.)

Ranking Member, Environment & Public Works Committee

Washington, D.C.