WASHINGTON DC (WVDN) – Today, Senators Jim Justice and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Financing Lead Out of Water Act, also known as the FLOW Act. This legislation would reduce Americans’ exposure to lead used in old water pipes.
“There are 20,000 lead lines in West Virginia. There is absolutely no excuse for families to wait on red tape for clean water. This bill is crystal clear—it will cut through bureaucracy, speed up progress, and help deliver safe, clean water for West Virginians and all Americans,” Senator Jim Justice said.
“No parent in America should worry if the water their kids drink is safe. The FLOW Act cuts red tape and reduces the financial burdens that homeowners and families face when replacing their lead pipes. This bill draws on the experience and leadership of Denver Water, which has shown the rest of the country what’s possible by committing to replace every customer-owned lead pipe, especially in underserved neighborhoods. The rest of the country can learn from our success in Colorado and use the tax code to help eliminate lead pipes from their communities,” Senator Michael Bennet said.
This legislation is endorsed by the West Virginia Rural Water Association, America Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Government Finance Officers Association, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the U.S. Water Alliance.
BACKGROUND:
- Some utilities, including Denver Water in Colorado, are financing the removal of all public and private lead service lines at no cost to customers by issuing tax-exempt bonds.
- Currently, the IRS requires the utility to conduct a “private business use” test to qualify for the tax exemption.
- This bill will reduce Americans’ exposure to lead used in old water pipes by cutting the above test, making it easier for utilities to replace both publicly- and privately-owned lead service lines.
Read the legislation by clicking HERE.
Read the endorsement letter from WVRWA by clicking HERE.
