Bill to reduce lead in drinking water signed into law

Jan. 5, 2011
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 5, 2011 -- President Obama has signed S. 3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, which aims to remove the serious health threat and economic burden caused by lead exposure from household water sources...

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 5, 2011 -- Last night President Obama signed S. 3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, legislation written by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) to remove the serious health threat and economic burden caused by lead exposure from household water sources. Small amounts of exposure can have serious health impacts, particularly on children, including kidney disease, reduced IQ, hypertension, hearing loss, and brain damage. Lead-related illness also costs an estimated $43 billion annually in lost wages and health expenditures, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

"Clean water is one of the most basic services we expect in our country, but every day families across the country consume lead when they drink water from their faucets," Rep. Eshoo said. "In 21st century America, families have a right to clean water in their homes. Lead-free plumbing is an existing alternative, it's affordable, and now it will be the standard across the nation, because it is the law."

The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act effectively eliminates the health threat of lead exposure by reducing the allowable lead in plumbing faucets and fixtures from 8% to 0.25%. The bill is based on a successful 2006 California law, A.B. 1953, which required manufacturers to phase out potential exposure from materials in drinking water plumbing by 2010. The legislation received broad support from state health officials, numerous children's health organizations, prominent national environmental organizations, local governments, scientific associations, national drinking water associations, and plumbing manufacturers.

###

Sponsored Recommendations

WIN-911 Alarm Notification Software Enables Faster Response

March 15, 2024
Alarm notification software enables faster response for customers, keeping production on track

Automated Fresh Water Treatment

March 15, 2024
SCADA, Automation and Control for Efficient and Compliant Operations

Digital Transformation Enables Smart Water

March 15, 2024
During this webinar we will discuss factors driving the transformation to digital water, water industry trends, followed by a summary of solutions (products & services) available...

Smart Water Solutions: Transforming the Water Universe

March 15, 2024
Water is our most valuable resource, and efficient and effective water and wastewater handling is crucial for municipalities. As industry experts, you face a number of challenges...