As a result of the lack of access to clean water in public schools and state agencies, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has introduced Bill 1144, the Safe and Efficient Water Act. In recent years, school drinking water has been at unacceptable levels. Of the reporting school districts in California, 53% have reported contaminants in their drinking water. Children are specifically at risk for experiencing long term health effects from contaminated drinking water. Common health issues include Legionnaires’ disease, liver and kidney problems, developmental and behavioral issues, and in some cases, cancer. SB 1144 will require public schools and state agencies to conduct water quality tests for lead, radon, Legionella, and other contaminants. It will also require testing for water efficiency to ensure the use of water meets the current standard. Finally, it will require agencies or schools with any covered buildings and cooling tower systems to create a Legionella management program that will include routine culture sampling. Any deviation from the legal limits of contaminants or current standards for water efficiency will require the agency to replace the water fixture. To read more about the proposed California Safe Water Legislation, click here. For more information on Legionnaires’ disease, check out the National Academies of Sciences Management of Legionella in Water Systems Report here. Contact Jules Zacher for a 100% free consultation today. THE MATERIALS ON THIS WEBSITE HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY JULES ZACHER, P.C. FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT LEGAL ADVICE OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL COUNSEL.