Legislation focuses on removing nitrates and arsenic from drinking water

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres and Congressman David Valadao introduced the Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act in Congress yesterday. The bill would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide grants for nitrate and arsenic reduction, by providing $15 million for FY25 and every fiscal year thereafter. The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take into consideration the needs of economically disadvantaged populations impacted by drinking water contamination.

According to the California State Water Resources Control Board, the Inland Empire has the highest levels of nitrate contamination throughout the state including 82 sources in San Bernardino, 67 sources in Riverside County, and 123 sources in Los Angeles County. The Board also found 44 sources of arsenic contamination in San Bernardino County and 68 sources in Los Angeles County.

“The nitrate and arsenic contamination in California water sources is a public health crisis, and a threat to my constituents’ health and safety. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am committed to ensuring the government supports the most pressing needs for the most vulnerable among us including exposure to nitrate and arsenic which can cause serious illness for infants, pregnant women, and residents with enzyme deficiencies including cancer. The Inland Empire experiences some of the worst levels of contamination in the state – especially in the many areas that remain or once served as agricultural fields for dairies, citrus, or grapevines – and I am committed to providing my constituents with clean drinking water free of these harmful substances.” said Congresswoman Torres.

“My top priority is making sure our communities can access safe and clean drinking water. This bill would give rural communities that rely on groundwater the resources they need to remove nitrates, arsenic, and other harmful chemicals from their water supply. I’m proud to support the Removing Nitrates and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act to help our small towns through the Valley fix this ongoing problem.” said Congressman Valadao.

To read the full bill text, click here.