Current Presidential Administration Says it Promises to Facilitate Access to Clean Water for All Americans-
In what seems like a last ditch effort to gain popularity for the upcoming election, President Obama and his administration have released a national clean water plan which promises to stringently protect America’s water supplies. The plan highlights the importance of partnerships and coordination with states, local communities, stakeholders and the public to protect health and water quality, as well as to promote the nation’s energy and economic security. ”The steps we’re outlining today will be instrumental to protecting the waters of the United States, and ensuring that the vital natural resources our communities depend on for their health and their economy are safeguarded for generations to come,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “After four decades of progress on clean water, there is still work to be done to address unfinished business and tackle new threats to our waters. American families and businesses are counting on us to maintain and improve the rivers, lakes, streams and other waters that support thousands of communities and millions of jobs across the country.” It should be noted that oil and gas exploration companies are exempt from adhering to the standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and without regulations for those major polluters there is really no guarantee that American’s will have permanent access to safe drinking water. Thanks to natural gas fracking companies, many people in the state of Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) have had to deal with groundwater so toxic that they cannot 
even shower in it. According to its press release, the White House is working to protect America’s waters by:
Promoting Innovative Partnerships- Federal agencies are partnering with states, tribes, local governments and diverse stakeholders on innovative approaches to restore urban waters, promote sustainable water supplies, and develop new incentives for farmers to protect clean water.
Enhancing Communities and Economies by Restoring Important Water Bodies-The Obama administration is dedicating unprecedented attention to restoring iconic places like the Chesapeake Bay, California Bay-Delta, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico and Everglades, investing in action and helping states, local governments and stakeholders find pollution control solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
Innovating for More Water Efficient Communities- The administration is working with policymakers, consumers, farmers and businesses to save water – and save money – through 21st century water management policies and technology.
Ensuring Clean Water to Protect Public Health- The Obama administration is aggressively pursuing new ways to protect public health by reducing contaminants in Americans’ drinking water. We are updating drinking water standards, protecting drinking water sources, modernizing the tools available to communities to meet their clean water requirements, and providing affordable clean water services in rural communities.
Enhancing Use and Enjoyment of our Waters- The administration is promoting stewardship of America’s waters through innovative programs and partnerships. These efforts include expanding access to waterways for recreation, protecting rural landscapes, and promoting public access to private lands for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities.
Updating the Nation’s Water Policies- The administration is strengthening protection of America’s waters and American communities. We are modernizing water resources guidelines, and updating federal guidance on where the Clean Water Act applies nationwide. The draft guidance will protect waters that many communities depend upon for drinking, swimming, and fishing, and provide clearer, more predictable guidelines for determining which water bodies are protected from pollution under the Clean Water Act. The guidance is open for 60 days of public comment to all allow all stakeholders to provide input and feedback before it is finalized.
Supporting Science to Solve Water Problems- The administration is using the latest science and research to improve water policies and programs and identify and address emerging pollution challenges.
More information and to read the Obama administration’s clean water framework by visiting WhiteHouse.gov.
