Public water systems: public housing: lead testing.

Senator Richardson's proposal to expand California's drinking water safety framework would require public water systems to inform public housing residents about available free lead testing programs. The measure adds notification requirements for both community and non-community water systems that serve public housing owned or managed by city, county, or local housing authorities.

The bill builds upon existing state regulations that prohibit the use of non-lead-free materials in public water systems and require water providers to maintain inventories of lead service lines. Under the new provisions, water systems must proactively share information with public housing residents about programs offering free lead testing of their water supply. This requirement applies to properties managed by municipal governments and housing authorities throughout California.

The State Water Resources Control Board would maintain its current authority to enforce these requirements against public water systems. While the measure creates new information-sharing obligations for water providers, it does not mandate the creation of new testing programs or require additional appropriations. Instead, it focuses on connecting residents with existing resources through enhanced communication from their water service providers.