42 U.S.C. § 300j–19c

Study on intractable water systems

(a) Definition of intractable water system

In this section, the term “intractable water system” means a community water system or a noncommunity water system—

(1)

that serves fewer than 1,000 individuals;

(2)

the owner or operator of which—

(A)

is unable or unwilling to provide safe and adequate service to those individuals;

(B)

has abandoned or effectively abandoned the community water system or noncommunity water system, as applicable;

(C)

has defaulted on a financial obligation relating to the community water system or noncommunity water system, as applicable; or

(D)

fails to maintain the facilities of the community water system or noncommunity water system, as applicable, in a manner so as to prevent a potential public health hazard; and

(3)

that is, as of October 23, 2018 —

(A)

in significant noncompliance with this chapter or any regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter; or

(B)

listed as having a history of significant noncompliance with this subchapter pursuant to section 300g–9(b)(1) of this title .

(b) Study required

(1) In general

Not later than 2 years after October 23, 2018 , the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall complete a study that—

(A)

identifies intractable water systems; and

(B)

describes barriers to delivery of potable water to individuals served by an intractable water system.

(2) Report to Congress

Not later than 2 years after October 23, 2018 , the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing findings and recommendations based on the study under this subsection.

( July 1, 1944, ch. 373 , title XIV, § 1459C, as added Pub. L. 115–270, title II, § 2003 , Oct. 23, 2018 , 132 Stat. 3841 .)