February 15, 2017

On February 15, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-6) introduced an amendment  (H.R.1068) to the Safe Drinking Water Act, which was last amended in 1996. H.R.1068 would update laws, direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set deadlines for the development of new water standards, and authorize spending to improve public water systems.

Rep. Pallone introduced the bill to help communities “in dire need of dramatic improvements to their drinking water infrastructure.”

This bill focuses on the occurrence of metals, specifically lead and copper, in drinking water. It requires utility companies to review corrosion control treatments any time a water source or treatment is changed. Similarly, this bill directs utility companies to test for lead and copper in drinking water at public and private schools, and authorizes funding for the removal of lead pipes in schools. H.R.1068 also authorizes investments in climate and weather resiliency, monitoring technology, and general drinking water infrastructure.H.R.1068 is currently in review by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: House.gov, Congress.gov, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency