The proposed California Assembly Bill 249 (AB 249), also known as the Safe Drinking Water for Children Act, was recently vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. According to Newsom, “…the bill lacks key provisions for efficiently administering the funding and inadequate to cover the full cost of implementation.”
AB 249 would have required community water systems to test for lead in the potable water system outlets of school sites before January 1, 2027. An excerpt of the bill stated: “If the lead level exceeds 5 parts per billion (ppb), the local educational agency or school site must notify parents and guardians, take immediate steps to make inoperable and shut down from use all potable water system outlets where the excess lead levels may exist, and work to ensure that a lead-free source of drinking water is provided for pupils.”
At Adviro, we’re closely following assembly bills such as AB 249, much like what we’ve done with AB 2370 which required child care centers to conduct water testing.
While AB 249 was vetoed, other federal legislation is still in the works to address the need to protect communities from lead exposure. We’ll keep you updated as the news about these initiatives make its way through the legislative process.
Why are California assembly bills regarding lead testing for schools so important?
Lead is a neurotoxin that can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because their brains are still developing. In fact, according to the EPA, there are no safe levels of lead.
The benefits of passing bills for proposed lead water testing include:
- Reduced exposure to lead: Bills could require water systems to test for lead in schools and replace fixtures with high lead levels, which will help to reduce children’s exposure to lead.
- Improved health and well-being: By reducing their exposure to lead, children will also be healthier and better able to learn and succeed.
- More peace of mind for parents and guardians: Parents and guardians can be confident that their children are drinking clean water at school.
In addition to the benefits listed above, these bills will also have indirect benefits for children, such as improved school attendance and performance. When children are healthy and have access to clean drinking water, they are more likely to attend school and perform well in class.
It’s also important to know that while AB 249 didn’t pass, other legislation is currently in the works to address the issues of lead in our schools’ water systems. It will protect children from the harmful effects of lead poisoning, improve their health and well-being, and help them to succeed in school.
Need Help with Lead Water Testing at Your School?
Schedule an appointment with Adviro today.
Sources;
California Legislative Information – Bill Text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB249
Article about the veto of CA AB 249
https://cashnet.org/news/654700/Governor-Vetoes-AB-249-Holden–Water-Quality-Testing-Standards.htm
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