California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a coalition of states on Mar. 16 in filing an amicus brief to support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which require the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems within ten years.
The coalition’s action comes as the American Water Works Association challenges the rule, particularly its mandate for full lead service line replacement. The case has significant implications for public health, especially for communities with older infrastructure where exposure to lead remains a risk.
“No child or family should be exposed to the devastating health consequences of lead when the solution is within reach,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Across the country, ongoing replacement efforts for lead service lines prove that full removal is feasible and affordable. Regardless, eliminating lead in our drinking water systems is an investment we should prioritize, and we commend the Trump Administration for standing by this rule, which is essential for public health and the safety of future generations.”
The Lead and Copper Rule was first enacted in 1991 to reduce harmful exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. Lead exposure can cause serious health problems such as learning disabilities in children and cardiovascular issues in adults. The EPA has determined that no amount of lead in drinking water is safe. Most contamination comes from aging pipes and fixtures, which are more common in low-income areas and communities of color.
The revised rule lowers the action level for lead from 15 to 10 parts per billion and includes provisions allowing systems more than ten years if needed to complete replacements. Health experts expect these changes will significantly reduce exposure risks nationwide.
In their brief, Bonta and other attorneys general argue that replacing all lead service lines within ten years is achievable based on existing programs across many regions. They also say compliance costs are manageable with available funding sources, that job creation will result from these projects, and that health benefits outweigh costs by a factor of ten.
Rob Bonta leads the California Attorney General’s office according to the official website. The office serves as California’s chief law enforcement authority with responsibilities including enforcing state laws, protecting public rights and safety, advancing civil rights initiatives, consumer protection efforts, environmental justice policies according to the official website, promoting transparency through tools like OpenJustice according to the official website, exercising authority statewide according to the official website, and forming an integral part of California’s executive branch according to the official website.
