US Senate Unanimously Passes HR3588: Community Fire Safety Act

On December 17, the US Senate unanimously passed HR3588: Community Fire Safety Act to exclude fire hydrants, including their pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux, from the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. The bill, which passed the US House of Representatives by unanimous vote on December 2 and has garnered broad bipartisan and water industry support, now heads to the White House for signature.

“The American Water Works Association applauds the Senate for its swift action in passing the Community Fire Safety Act,” said AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance. “Our elected leaders have done a great service for their communities, and we are optimistic that President Obama will sign the bill into law. We also are grateful to the many voices in the water community and beyond who joined with AWWA in bringing this issue to Congress over the past few weeks. Their willingness to raise their voices has made all the difference.”

LaFrance added: “The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act was not intended to cover fire hydrants. Our elected leaders have arrived at a common-sense decision that will save valuable time and resources for water utilities and equipment manufacturers, costs that ultimately would be borne by water consumers.”