Learn more about National Water Quality Month with the Library's Virtual Display!

National Water Quality Month's history lies in two congressional acts from the 1970s. The Clean Water Act that was passed in 1972, which focused on stopping water pollution by making it illegal to dump high amounts of toxic materials into bodies of water. This also set standards for the surface water used for human consumption and recreation. The second act passed in 1974.  The Safe Drinking Water Act built on these standards to further protect the quality of groundwater and public water systems. 

The Environmental protection Agency (EPA) backed by the United Nations, declared August National Water Quality Month in 2005, to not only promote the conservation of natural water sources, but to ensure that clean and safe drinking water is available for everyone.