R.I. Senate approves lead pipe bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The state Senate voted to approve legislation that would address lead pipes in Rhode Island’s water supply.

The bill is an amendment to the Lead Poisoning Prevention Act and would create a lead water supply replacement program for public and private water lines.

It includes requirements that all affected lines be replaced within 10 years, that water suppliers establish a service line inventory and determine the existence or absence of lead within each water connection in its service area, and also establishes new notification and reporting requirements.

“No family should have to worry that their home’s water supply may be poisoning their children,” Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said. “This legislation will provide new urgency, and much needed additional resources, to this effort, helping us protect our children’s well-being and the health of all Rhode Islanders.”

Ruggerio is the sponsor of the bill.

Lead risk assessments for all homes built before 2011 are also required by the legislation.

Financial assistance for pipe replacement would be provided by the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank.

The House must now consider the bill.