Senate Matches House on Hydrant Exemption
On December 9th, Senators Pat Toomy (R-PA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced a bipartisan measure to include hydrants in the list of exemptions to the new lead in drinking water requirements. The bill, Community Fire Safety Act (S 1779), is a companion to last week’s House passed measure (HR 3588).
The expectation is that the Senate will move swiftly to pass the measure. Both bills seek to avoid a January 1, 2014 ban on the installation of hydrants with a lead content of greater than 0.25%. Both measures also require that EPA consult with the National Drinking Water Advisory Council on “potential changes to the regulations pertaining to lead…” and asks the Council to also consider, as part of its charge, sources of lead throughout drinking water distribution systems – including components used in repairs.
