Booker-sponsored bill for clean drinking water passes Senate

A bill sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker to use federal money to make sure everyone has clean drinking water has passed in the United States Senate.

News 12 Staff

Sep 11, 2019, 2:19 AM

Updated 1,703 days ago

Share:

A bill sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker to use federal money to make sure everyone has clean drinking water has passed in the United States Senate.
If the Water Infrastructure Funding Transfer Act is signed into law, cities like Newark, which is struggling with lead contamination in the drinking water, could have access to millions of dollars – money which could be used to replace lead service lines.
"I will not stop until every American has access to clean drinking water,” Booker said.
Booker is the former mayor of Newark. He says that with his bill, states could reroute their federal funding from one account to another so it can be used to replace lead pipes.
"The majority of those impacted are low-income, economically vulnerable people like the neighbors in my community. They cannot face this health crisis alone,” Booker, a Democratic candidate for president, said.
Newark officials are currently borrowing $120 million dollars to replace 18,000 lead service lines in homes around the city. Officials say that 800 lines have already have been changed.
The city of Newark has started handing out bottled water to thousands of residents, ever since officials found that the corrosion control in the water treatment was failing, allowing lead to break away from the pipes and into faucets in homes. Residents will have to use bottled water until all the lead service pipes are replaced - likely within three years.
As Newark deals with lead crisis, some homes have service lines replaced
But getting permission from homeowners to replace those lead lines is a massive task. So, the Newark City Council is formulating an ordinance where they won't have to ask.
"So, we do not have to get your signature on a piece of paper in order to go onto your property. We can actually change your lead service line without your permission,” Mayor Ras Baraka says.
Baraka also says that results of testing of hundreds of water filters should be known within days - filters that had gone out to residents to protect them from lead in the water.


More from News 12
2:06
On-and-off showers and temps in the 50s today for New Jersey

On-and-off showers and temps in the 50s today for New Jersey

1:45
Netflix studio project in Bayonne gets eligibility for expanded tax credits

Netflix studio project in Bayonne gets eligibility for expanded tax credits

0:27
13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

13 Kohl's in New Jersey to open Babies'R'Us locations. See list of stores

0:22
Wildwood implements metered parking right before weekend Trump rally

Wildwood implements metered parking right before weekend Trump rally

0:28
Veteran Broadway stage manager fatally struck by NJ Transit train

Veteran Broadway stage manager fatally struck by NJ Transit train

1:23
Main Street NJ: Showcasing Hillsborough, ‘the best place to live in New Jersey’

Main Street NJ: Showcasing Hillsborough, ‘the best place to live in New Jersey’

0:46
Video shows suspect stealing 'Leggio for Mayor' political sign from Howell Township property

Video shows suspect stealing 'Leggio for Mayor' political sign from Howell Township property

0:33
New Jersey man opens fortune cookie with 'believe in miracles' message, wins $1 million lottery prize

New Jersey man opens fortune cookie with 'believe in miracles' message, wins $1 million lottery prize

2:08
Port Authority sees cargo increase at local ports following Baltimore Bridge collapse

Port Authority sees cargo increase at local ports following Baltimore Bridge collapse

2:05
Paws & Pals: 3-year-old German Shephard mix now available for adoption

Paws & Pals: 3-year-old German Shephard mix now available for adoption

0:19
Prosecutors: Hidden camera found in office bathroom of NJ chiropractor

Prosecutors: Hidden camera found in office bathroom of NJ chiropractor

0:20
Authorities: 1 person killed in Route 27 crash in Franklin Township

Authorities: 1 person killed in Route 27 crash in Franklin Township

0:22
Planet Fitness raising membership fee for first time in 26 years

Planet Fitness raising membership fee for first time in 26 years

Strong solar storm could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in US

Strong solar storm could disrupt communications and produce northern lights in US

1:34
The Real Deal: The best deals for mom this Mother’s Day

The Real Deal: The best deals for mom this Mother’s Day

Is your mom awesome? New Jersey tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New Jersey tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:17
Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

Artemi Panarin scores in overtime, Rangers beat Hurricanes 3-2 to take 3-0 series lead

1:44
Resources to find food banks and food programs in the tri-state area

Resources to find food banks and food programs in the tri-state area

0:42
Dover councilman called to step down following harassment allegations

Dover councilman called to step down following harassment allegations

2:07
KIYC: Does the Open Public Record Act Reform Bill damage democracy?

KIYC: Does the Open Public Record Act Reform Bill damage democracy?