Georgia's Ossoff a Step Closer to Major Drinking Water Change: What To Know
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Georgia Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff has secured bipartisan backing for a proposal that would substantially increase funding for the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program for both the Peach State and nationwide.
Newsweek contacted Ossoff for comment Thursday via email outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood," as it poses a particular health risk to youths.
"A dose of lead that might have minimal effect on an adult can have significant consequences for a child. Lead poisoning can lead to both physical and behavioral issues, and these impacts can be long-lasting or even permanent," the EPA said.
What To Know
An amendment introduced by Ossoff calling for the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water program to have its funding boosted by nearly 50 percent has passed the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee as part of its Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies spending package.
The federally funded program provides resources to states and local communities to tackle lead contamination of water by, for example, covering costs of removing leaky pipes. It also supports water treatment programs for schools and child care facilities.
A stock photo shows water flowing from a bathroom tap on January 12, 2007, in Berlin.
A stock photo shows water flowing from a bathroom tap on January 12, 2007, in Berlin.
Sean Gallup/GETTY
According to the EPA, "tens of millions of Americans rely on private wells for their drinking water," some of which are contaminated with lead, which can also enter the water supply through old and rusty pipes. The agency notes that "lead can be present in drinking water without any noticeable changes in color or odor."
In October 2024, a new law was enacted, requiring water utility providers to identify and replace water systems using lead pipes within 10 years.
Florida is believed to be the worst impacted state, with over 1.1 million service lines contaminated by lead, followed by Illinois with just over 1 million.
In mid-July, the Illinois Water Company issued an alert after routine testing found elevated levels of lead in the water supply for some areas.
What People Are Saying
Ossoff, in a statement: "Every Georgian deserves clean, healthy drinking water. There's no worse nightmare for any family than not having access to clean water.
"That's why I brought Republicans and Democrats together to pass my amendment that will help communities in Georgia and across the nation remove dangerous lead pipes from homes, schools, and child care facilities."
What Happens Next
Having passed the Senate Appropriations Committee, the funding bill, to which Ossoff attached his amendment, must now pass the full Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to become law.
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