Exempting Fire Hydrants from EPA Lead Regulations (Senate Bill) (S. 1779)

What is S. 1779?

(Updated April 4, 2017)

This bill deals with fire hydrants and lead in drinking water. In 2010, Congress approved the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. That Act's aim was to reduce the amount of lead in plumbing fixtures and pipes that deliver water for human consumption. This Act's new regulations became effective on January 4th, 2014. In October of 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)applied the same lead-reduciton requirement to fire hydrants. This bill would exempt fire hydrants from such requirements. 

Argument in favor

Fewer functional hydrants in any community means bad things when fire breaks out. A hydrant's water supply has little to nothing to do with drinking water.

Argument opposed

The less lead in any pipe and any water, the better; while the bill will cost communities, the health benefits outweigh the fiscal burden.

Impact

The bill impacts EPA guidelines as they relate to fire hydrants.

Cost of S. 1779

A CBO cost is unavailable.

Additional Info

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