Legislation mandates quicker public notice of lead contamination in drinking water

May 25, 2016 at 8:26p.m.

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Senate OK’d legislation requiring quicker public notice of lead contamination in drinking water, sending House Bill 512 to the governor’s desk without any changes from the earlier House-passed version.

The bill passed on a vote of 32-0, with some members voicing concern about the pace of consideration and the shortened timeframe for informing residents of issues.

HB 512 would increase requirements for testing for and notification of lead in water from public systems. Under the legislation, residents and other users would have to be informed within two days if lead and copper levels topped allowed thresholds. A larger, more in-depth public education program would have to be launched within 30 days.

Under current law, notice has to be made within 30 days, with a public education campaign within 60 days.

“HB 512 is a mid-biennium review bill that helps protect the public from lead in drinking water by expediting public notice when lead contamination is found,” said Sen. Troy Balderson, a Republican from Zanesville who serves as chairman of the committee that considered the bill. “We know that those most vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead contamination are pregnant women and children. Having access to safe drinking water is imperative.”

Absent local action within the new timelines, the state would step in and provide notice, with potential administrative penalties for the noncompliant systems. Additionally, the legislation would set the definition of “lead free” in new construction plumbing to 0.25 percent, down from the current 8 percent, among other provisions.

The legislation was offered after lead issues surfaced in water systems in Sebring in northeastern Ohio.