|
In parts of Texas, some residents obtain their water supply through irrigation canals and irrigation districts,
which are often ill-equipped to supply drinking water. In the past, these irrigation districts have been exempt from meeting the health-based requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, even
if they were serving more than 25 residents or 15 connections.
Under the 1996 amendments, however, as long as they are serving at least 25 people, irrigation districts that
are providing water to residents for domestic uses—such as bathing or drinking—or have knowledge or should have knowledge that residents are using the water for this purpose, must meet the
same requirements as any community public water system, including monitoring. Individuals, on the other hand, who are taking water from irrigation canals for domestic use without the
irrigator's knowledge are not protected under the amendments. Irrigation districts are eligible under the act for federal and state funding for water treatment systems.*
In Texas, residents in counties such as El Paso, Willacy, Cameron, and Hidalgo where thousands of residents
lack potable water have often relied upon irrigation canals and districts for their water. In addition, property owners around lakes who take water from the lake for indoor use could also be
covered by the amendment.*
|
