NY State Senator Schumer Calls on EPA to Reinterpret Drinking Water Law
NY State Senator Schumer Calls on EPA to Reinterpret Drinking Water Law
Schumer aims to save taxpayer dollars -- and fire hydrants.
New York State Senator Chuck Schumer says New Yorkers could be paying more in taxes if a new law from the EPA isn't changed.
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act forbids the use of lead in some plumbing fixtures, including faucets and home piping, installed after January 4th of next year. But it also applies to fire hydrants in the rare event someone drinks from one. Schumer said this “makes no sense whatsoever.”
"I don't know a single New Yorker who goes out to their fire hydrant every morning, turns it on, and brushes their teeth,” he said.
Senator Schumer said the act will require cities to throw out their current fire hydrant stockpile and buy new ones, which will cost tax payers hundreds of thousands of dollars. He said fire hydrants should be exempt from the new rule, since they're rarely used for drinking.
“New York City has the best drinking water in the country, but I don't spend much of my time - neither do most New Yorkers - opening up [my] fire hydrant and drinking, as good as New York water is,” Schumer said.
In a statement, the EPA said it is considering additional information and may update their interpretation of the law before it takes effect next year.
