Urges the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to study and report on the prevalence of lead user service lines in its drinking water distribution system
Impact
If adopted, the resolution would lead the Sewerage and Water Board to gather crucial data about the presence of lead in drinking water systems, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in public health issues. The findings from this study are expected to be reported to the state health officer and the Orleans Delegation of the legislature by December 31, 2019. The outcome of the study could influence future legislative action or funding priorities geared towards upgrading infrastructure that could mitigate lead exposure.
Summary
House Resolution 143, authored by Representative Jimmy Harris, calls for the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans to conduct a study on the prevalence of lead user service lines in its drinking water distribution system. This resolution is prompted by understanding the potential public health threats posed by lead contamination in drinking water, especially considering the aging infrastructure of public water systems. The resolution highlights a proactive approach to assessing and addressing water quality concerns that have previously been legislated through past acts aimed at improving the quality of drinking water in Louisiana.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR143 is generally positive as it reflects a heightened awareness of public health and water safety issues. There is a consensus that understanding the extent of lead contamination is crucial. Supporters of the resolution are likely to view it as a necessary initiative to ensure the safety of drinking water, especially in light of broader discussions regarding lead contamination in various urban areas across the nation.
Contention
Despite the overall support for the bill, there may be underlying concerns regarding the implementation of any recommendations made post-study. Stakeholders might debate the costs associated with updating infrastructure or whether the findings would lead to significant actionable changes. Moreover, there could be discussions over the adequacy of the resources allocated for such studies and how effectively the outcomes will be communicated to the public.