§300i–1. Tampering with public water systems
(a) Tampering
Any person who tampers with a public water system shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined in accordance with title 18, or both.
(b) Attempt or threat
Any person who attempts to tamper, or makes a threat to tamper, with a public drinking water system be imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or fined in accordance with title 18, or both.
(c) Civil penalty
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 $50,000 for such tampering or not more than $20,000 for such attempt or threat.
(d) "Tamper" defined
For purposes of this section, the term "tamper" means-
(1) to introduce a contaminant into a public water system with the intention of harming persons; or
(2) to otherwise interfere with the operation of a public water system with the intention of harming persons.
(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XIV, §1432, as added June 19, 1986,