Gov. Newsom signs CALPIRG-backed bill to create nation’s strictest lead limits

Clean water

Gina Goldenberg

Former Creative Associate, Editorial & Creative Team, The Public Interest Network

Californians will soon see less lead in their drinking water, which should also cut down on the health problems caused by the heavy metal.

On Oct. 8, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the strictest lead leaching limits into law, formally banning the manufacture and sale of water faucets and fixtures that leach more than 1 microgram of lead into drinking water. Lead exposure is especially dangerous for children, and up until now, there had been little regulation of “endpoint” devices like faucet heads. This law will ensure that any new faucet purchased will dispense as little lead as possible.

“Public health agencies are unanimous: There is no safe level of lead for our children, so faucets that leach lead into our drinking water have no place in California,” said CALPIRG State Director Jenn Engstrom. “Thanks to Gov. Newsom and Assemblymember Chris Holden, parents can rest assured that drinking faucets and fixtures sold in our state will be practically lead-free.”

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Learn more about our Get the Lead Out campaign.

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Photo: No level of lead in drinking water is safe for children. It impairs their ability to learn, grow and behave. Credit: Alabama Extension via Flickr, CC0.1

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Gina Goldenberg

Former Creative Associate, Editorial & Creative Team, The Public Interest Network

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