By State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper)
For nearly 40 years, installation of lead water lines has been banned in the United States. However, it is estimated that 265,000 old lead water lines remain in use throughout Indiana.
It is well known that lead poses significant health risks to people. As old water lines corrode, the likelihood of lead tainting drinking water increases.
This year, Senate Republicans have prioritized replacing unsafe lead water lines across Indiana to better protect Hoosiers' health.
Senate Bill 5 would set up a procedure to help the state's utility companies replace lead water lines faster and more efficiently utilizing an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) lead line improvement plan.
Currently, state law already has a framework for utilities to develop IURC-approved lead line replacement plans, but only Citizens Energy, Indiana American Water and Fort Wayne City Utilities have created such plans.
The bill would set up a more efficient procedure for replacing lead lines, which encourages more utility companies to get on board with removing the lines.
Replacing lead lines is an expensive task, but we need to do it, and Senate Bill 5 would save Hoosiers money long-term by allowing utilities to replace the lines faster and more efficiently.
Senate Bill 5 unanimously passed both the Senate Committee on Utilities and Senate Committee On Appropriations. It now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.
Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies and proposed legislation can be found on iga.in.gov.
As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48, which
includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
