US House approves bill mandating EPA’s faster response in lead contamination in water

The US House of Representatives had approved a bill that mandates environmental regulatory authority to act faster when drinking water is contaminated with lead.

This comes in the wake of lead contamination in Flint’s drinking water supply.

The bipartisan bill was introduced by Michigan Representatives Dan Kildee, who is a Democrat, and Fred Upton, a Republican, reported Reuters.

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to swiftly inform the public when the lead levels increase beyond the permitted levels in drinking water supplies and to draw up a plan that can bolster communication process between itself, utilities, states, and consumers.

In April 2014, the cash-strapped city had switched its source of tap water from Detroit’s system to the Flint River in order to save money.

After this switch, local residents had complained of several health issues although officials had then been categorically stating that the water was safe for consumption.

Dangerous levels of lead can harm brain as well as lead to several health problems.

Following the vote in the House of Representatives, Kildee stated that the bill "wouldn’t have prevented Flint, but it would have caught it far sooner."

This bill must now be passed by the Senate and then approved by President Barack Obama before it becomes law.

The Michigan Governor had extended the emergency state in the city until 14 April in order to enable the city recover from the lead contamination crisis.

Meanwhile, other bills in Congress such as providing millions of dollars as aid to Flint still remains uncertain.

Kildee had introduced a bill seeking $700m federal aid, which would be equally matched by the state; however, this bill is yet to secure approval as there have been doubts on how funds would be raised for this purpose.