Friday, Oct 21 2011 5:09PM
The laws are aimed largely, though not exclusively, at disadvantaged residents and rural communities.
Governor Jerry Brown of California recently signed into law seven bills meant to improve
water system services and access to clean water in the state.
The laws are aimed largely, though not exclusively, at disadvantaged residents and rural communities. Past research by organizations including California Rural Legal Assistance and the Community Water Center in Visalia has shown these residents spent up to 10 percent of their household income on bottled water in some cases.
This lack of access to clean water therefore had economic consequences as well as the direct health implications. The Pacific Institute, in a study of the San Joaquin Valley from 2005 to 2008, found many residents' water was polluted with nitrates which are associated with cancer and may kill some members of the population, particularly the young, old and ill.
"Every Californian is closer to the human right to safe drinking water. The bills are tangible examples of how we're moving in the right direction," said the Community Water Center's Susana De Anda.
The legislation includes a number of provisions. One bill, for example, allows disadvantaged communities to receive more grant funding to pay for water infrastructure improvement projects, while another streamlines construction on water projects.
For further reference, check out this source:
The Huffington Post