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Criminal Provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Official Seal for the Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training

General descriptions of the criminal provisions under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) include those for:

Tampering with Public Water Systems, and
Willful Violations of Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program

Tampering with Public Water Systems

midsection crop pouring water from pitcher to glass

Elements:

A Person
- Tampers (with an intention to harm), attempts to tamper, or threatens to tamper with a public drinking water system

Statute: 42 U.S.C. 300i-1

Penalty:

20 years (10 if attempt or threat) and/or fines pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571

Relevant Regulations: 40 C.F.R. 141 - 143

Willful Violations of Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program

Elements:

A person
- Willfully violates any requirement of an applicable underground injection control program, or an administrative order issued pursuant to this section [42 U.S.C. 300h-2]

Statute: 42 U.S.C. 300h-2(b)

Penalty:

3 years and/or fines pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3571

Relevant Regulations: 40 C.F.R. 144 - 149