SAN FRANCISCO - September 16 - “Last week, a bill that would declare the human right to water as a policy of the state of California passed out of the state legislature. Authored by Assembly Member Ira Ruskin (D- Redwood City) and co-sponsored by the national consumer advocacy group Food & Water Watch, Assembly Bill 1242 would add language to the California Water Code guaranteeing all people in the state the right to clean, safe, affordable water. It will also allow the State to coordinate the activities of all the agencies involved in water policy, including the departments of Public Health and Water Resources, in order to make water supply and delivery decisions with this need in mind. 

“Water is a common resource—one that we all have an equal right and a responsibility to protect. Today in California, severe water quality issues affect at least 150,000 consumers, rendering them unable to drink the water that flows from their taps. While children are reminded to keep their mouths shut while showering, teachers and schools stock up on expensive bottled water, because tap water in some areas is polluted with contaminants such as nitrates.

 “AB 1242 is a significant step towards ensuring that everyone in California has access to safe, affordable tap water.  We applaud the legislature for approving this extremely important bill and encourage Governor Schwarzenegger to sign it into law.”