Editorial: Get the lead out

Published 12:01 am PDT Saturday, August 26, 2006
Laws force water districts to carefully monitor the levels of lead in drinking water. But after that, it's a different story.
Right before the water reaches the lips of the consumer, it passes through a household faucet and fittings that can contain as much as 8 percent lead, some of which can leach into the water. That's a big deal, for even a little bit of lead can be dangerous to young children.

The side effects of lead poisoning range from kidney problems to hearing loss. That's why lead is one of those substances that should have as little exposure to drinking water supplies as possible.

California lawmakers are now pondering what level of protection is technically achievable and reasonable to demand of plumbing manufacturers. A bill in the Legislature would dramatically reduce the levels of lead in plumbing fixtures. It would undoubtedly reduce the lead in drinking water in California and eventually throughout the nation.

For manufacturers who are accustomed to using lead in their fittings, that's the problem. But is it really a problem for the consumer?

The fight over this legislation, Assembly Bill 1953 by Wilma Chan, D-Alameda, brings to mind countless complaints by manufacturers over the years about improved environmental standards in California.

A regulator or legislator proposes an improvement. The mainstream manufacturers say that it is unworkable and would cause them to retool their national apparatus.

But guess what? Some smaller manufacturers out there are proving them wrong by offering the product at competitive costs in the marketplace. If tougher environmental standards result in new winners in the competitive marketplace, is that really government's problem?

AB 1953 would reduce the lead in these fittings down to a quarter of one percent. Proponents have found at least 24 companies that already meet the standard. Such cities as San Francisco and New York have adopted policies to buy these fixtures when old ones need replacing. Manufacturers would need to shift their production techniques by 2010 if AB 1953 passes.

The dominant plumbing fixture manufacturers such as Moen, Delta and Kohler oppose the bill. Opponents told a state Senate committee that were AB 1953 to pass, it "would force manufacturers who wish to comply with the letter and spirit of the bill to nationally standardize all products to the California requirements."

Hmm. Less lead in drinking water here and throughout the country. And two dozen companies ready to compete in a new marketplace. Is there a problem here?

AB 1953 faces an uncertain fate, and no wonder. Young children aren't big campaign contributors.

This is the kind reform that can die in the dark of night. There is no reason that both sides can't make this a workable, reasonable reform. Reducing lead in the water supply is an ongoing challenge, one worth meeting head-on.