Politics & Government
Bill Introduced To Replace All Lead Pipes In Rhode Island's Water Lines
The bill has a requirement requiring the replacement of all water lines with lead pipes within 10 years.
RHODE ISLAND — A bill has been introduced to the state legislature to replace lead pipes in Rhode Island's water supply system.
State Sen. President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Providence), introduced the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act (2023-S-0002), which would create a lead water supply replacement program for both public and private service lines. The bill has a requirement that all affected lines are replaced within 10 years.
Last legislative session, Ruggerio co-sponsored similar legislation, which was introduced by former Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey (D-Providence) and was passed by the state senate.
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"This important legislation will give new urgency to the replacement of antiquated, unsafe lead pipes," Ruggerio said in a statement. "It addresses a serious threat to the well-being of all our children, and better protects the health of all Rhode Islanders. No family should have to worry that their home’s water supply may be poisoning their children."
If passed, financial assistance for lead pipe replacement would be provided through the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, including no-cost options for property owners. To help develop the state’s workforce, the legislation would set requirements for water suppliers and contractors to participate in apprenticeship programs.
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The bill would also require water suppliers to create a service line inventory no later than Oct. 16, 2024, to determine the existence or absence of lead within each water connection in its service area. It would also establish new notification and reporting requirements for suppliers to ensure transparency in the identification and replacement of service lines containing lead.
Additionally, the bill requires a lead risk assessment to be conducted for any home built prior to 2011, as part of any sale or rent of the property. Currently, those assessments are required only for homes built prior to 1978.
More on Lead Violations In Rhode Island
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