NEW Water: Our History at a Glance - Magazine - Page 13
The Business of Cleaning Water
In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Ohio infamously
caught on fire due to extensive water pollution.
This drew national attention for the need to
improve the nation's water quality. Against this
backdrop, the Clean Water Act was passed, serving
as a landmark win for water protection across the
United States (U.S.). The Act led to the creation of
the Pretreatment Program for sewerage districts
and utilities, including GBMSD, to partner with
industries on pollution prevention strategies to
protect water more cost effectively.
Prior to the passing of the Clean Water Act
in 1972, leaders at GBMSD had their eye on
establishing partnerships to protect water, even
before federal regulations required it. “GBMSD was
the first facility in the U.S. to treat both industrial
and residential wastewater,” said Tom Sigmund,
NEW Water’s Executive Director.
That partnership for economic development
continues.
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