Federal · Title 42 — Public Health and Welfare

42 U.S.C. § 300i: Tampering with public water systems

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Tampering with public water systems is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment. Attempts or threats to tamper carry up to 10 years imprisonment. Civil penalties up to $1,000,000 may also apply.

Read the full statutory text

Any person who tampers with a public water system shall be imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or fined in accordance with title 18, or both. Any person who attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper, with a public drinking water system be imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or fined in accordance with title 18, or both. The Administrator may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States district court (as determined under the provisions of title 28) against any person who tampers, attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper with a public water system. The court may impose on such person a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000 for such tampering or not more than $100,000 for such attempt or threat. to introduce a contaminant into a public water system with the intention of harming persons; or to otherwise interfere with the operation of a public water system with the intention of harming persons.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.