42 U.S.C. § 300j–19c — Study on intractable water systems

(a) Definition of intractable water system. An "intractable water system" is a community or noncommunity water system that serves fewer than 1,000 people, and whose owner or operator either can't or won't provide safe, adequate service; has abandoned or effectively abandoned the system; has defaulted on a financial obligation tied to the system; or hasn't kept up the system's facilities enough to prevent a possible public health hazard. It must also, as of October 23, 2018, be in significant noncompliance with this chapter or its regulations, or be listed as having a history of significant noncompliance under section 300g–9(b)(1). (b) Study required. Within 2 years of October 23, 2018, the EPA, working with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, had to finish a study that identifies intractable water systems and describes what's blocking safe drinking water for the people they serve. Within that same 2 years, the EPA had to report the study's findings and recommendations to Congress.