MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act.

ADEM said this gives it an opportunity to focus attention on the importance of swimmable, drinkable, and fishable waters for today’s citizens and for future generations.

Congress established the act, which went into effect Oct. 18, 1972, with the goal of protecting America’s waterways.

“For 40 years, Americans and Alabamians have relied on the Clean Water Act to keep our lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal waters safe for fishing, swimming, recreation, and as a safe source of drinking water,” ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said. “It’s the guideline that helps us to preserve our vast water resources and we are pleased to commemorate this landmark anniversary.”

Additional information is available at the ADEM website (www.adem.alabama.gov) and citizens are encouraged to become more interested in understanding water-related issues.