Assemblymember Holden’s Legislation Aiming to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water Passes Senate Environmental Quality Committee

Wednesday, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, AB 100 that would set a limit on the amount of lead leaching from drinking water faucets and fixtures passed the California Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

“We all expect the water we drink will keep us and our children healthy, and not make us sick,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “This legislation ensures that faucets and plumbing fixtures sold in California leach as little lead as possible.”

Lead is a severe neurotoxin that damages the brains and central nervous systems of young children. Lead is also a carcinogen and harms organs. Low levels of lead in children cause IQ loss, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and impaired hearing.

Currently, consumers have no idea when they go to a hardware store if the faucet they buy is safe or not. Faucets can leach lead when they are used. Holden’s bill would restrict the amount of lead leaching from faucets and fixtures to no more than 1 microgram, which is five times lower than the current industry standard.

“It is ridiculous that Californians are still exposed to lead from fixtures leaching significant amounts into our drinking water,” said Susan Little, Environmental Working Group’s senior advocate for California government affairs. “Ending lead exposure is critical to protect our kids’ health, and once again, California is moving the nation toward this goal. We greatly appreciate Assemblymember Holden’s work to ensure that California schools, child care centers and consumers will be able to find faucets and plumbing fixtures that leach as little lead as possible.”