Water Violations by State in United States (Safe Drinking Water Act SDWA)
The number of violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) varies significantly across the United States, with Pennsylvania leading the way with 24,525 violations. Other states like Texas, West Virginia, and New York also rank high on the list, reflecting ongoing challenges with water quality in those regions.
States with the Highest Number of SDWA Violations
Pennsylvania tops the list with the highest number of SDWA violations, accounting for 24,525 infractions. Texas and West Virginia follow with over 15,000 and 7,000 violations, respectively. These states face significant challenges in ensuring safe drinking water for their populations, often due to aging infrastructure and regulatory issues.
States with Moderate Levels of Violations
States like New York, Oklahoma, and Florida report significant, but lower, numbers of violations. With 6,743 violations in New York and 5,188 in Oklahoma, these states are working toward improving their water quality standards to prevent future infractions.
States with Fewer Violations
States like Hawaii report minimal SDWA violations, with only 2 incidents. Other states with lower violations include Delaware, Kentucky, and Nebraska, reflecting better water quality control and compliance with the SDWA in these areas.
Implications of SDWA Violations
The high number of violations in certain states underlines the ongoing challenges in ensuring access to safe drinking water. While states like Pennsylvania and Texas struggle with significant violations, others are making strides to improve water safety and reduce the number of incidents. The data highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure and regulatory improvements across the United States.