Pure and safe drinking water.
This bill reinforces existing laws under the California Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires the State Water Resources Control Board to regulate drinking water and ensure public health safety. It asserts a commitment to lower the presence of toxic chemicals in drinking water to the least feasible levels, addressing public concerns about pollutants that could contribute to serious health issues such as cancer and birth defects. The amendment aims to improve upon the federal Safe Drinking Water Act's requirements, establishing stricter primary drinking water standards in California.
Senate Bill No. 1150, introduced by Senator Gonzalez, seeks to amend Section 116270 of the Health and Safety Code to fortify the legal framework surrounding drinking water quality in California. The bill emphasizes the right of every Californian to have access to pure and safe drinking water and mandates that feasible technologies be used to eliminate toxic contaminations from public water supplies. By making nonsubstantive changes to existing legislative findings and declarations, the bill aims to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of drinking water standards in the state.
The potential impact of SB 1150 includes the establishment of a more robust drinking water regulatory framework within the state, which may face scrutiny concerning the costs associated with implementing advanced technologies for contaminant removal. Although the bill is intended to enhance the state's compliance and enforcement capabilities, there may be ongoing debates about balancing regulatory enforcement with the financial burden it could place on local water systems. Proponents argue that the investment in safe drinking water is crucial for long-term public health, whereas some critics may express concerns over increased costs and regulatory complexities.