REP. TROTT SUPPORTS EFFORT TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER AND PREVENT TRAGEDIES LIKE FLINT

WASHINGTON, DC: – February 12, 2016 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Dave Trott (MI-11) today supported legislation to strengthen the system of notifying the public when concentrations of lead in drinking water are above federal requirements, such as the ongoing drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

“After the tragedy in Flint, this bill is a step in the right direction to preserve and protect the health of our citizens. This is an issue that many communities across the country will have to deal with as our water system infrastructure ages. We must ensure that the public is aware, our citizens are informed, and that our water authorities and agencies identify and take steps to prevent this level of failure from happening again. The failures of Flint must not happen again. All Americans should feel safe drinking water from their kitchen sink,” said Rep. Trott.

The legislation, supported by Rep. Trott, ensures that the public will learn of excessive lead levels in drinking water by setting forth how and when states, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and drinking water utilities must communicate their findings. Specifically, the legislation will:

Require public notification when enforceable requirements for lead in drinking water are exceeded.

Require EPA to create a strategic plan for handling and improving information flow between drinking water utilities, the states, EPA, and affected drinking water consumers when there is an enforceable lead exceedance in drinking water.

Ensure all levels of government communicate with each other.

Require consumer notification when water being transported in a lead pipe is sufficiently corrosive that it could leach lead into public drinking water.