Victory! CALPIRG-backed bill to strengthen lead restrictions clears state Senate

In past years, California received an F for its state policies on lead in the water at schools. This year will hopefully prove to be the year that California passes this examination with flying colors.

On Sept. 7, the California state Senate voted to pass Assembly Bill 100, which bans the sale of water faucets and fixtures that leach excess lead in California. Endpoint pieces like faucet heads have been allowed to leach lead into drinking water despite lead’s terrible health consequences. Now heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, the bill limits the amount of lead leached from faucets to no more than 1 microgram, essentially prohibiting faucets and fixtures from leach any lead at all.

“Ending lead exposure, especially in our state’s schools and childcare centers, is critical to protect our kids’ health,” said Jenn Engstrom, CALPIRG state director. “We applaud the California state Legislature for taking the next step to protect children by ensuring that schools and childcare centers update their plumbing to abide by the new guidelines.”

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Learn more about our Get the Lead Out Campaign.