FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2023
(Sacramento) – BuildStrong California applauds the introduction of a new bill that would require testing for harmful chemicals in drinking water following wildfires by Health Committee Chair Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg). The California Safe Drinking Water Act, AB 541, would direct the Water Board to require testing for the chemical compound benzene in water systems immediately following a major wildfire event.
“Serving the 2nd Assembly District, I, like many in our state, know firsthand the long-term devastation wildfires have on our communities,” said Wood. “Our families and neighbors deserve to know their drinking water is safe while they recover and resume their lives, and we welcome the support of organizations like BuildStrong California in making that happen.”
In addition to Santa Rosa, communities like Paradise found widespread benzene contamination in the aftermath of recent major wildfires. Despite this, current monitoring requirements mean cities could take years to test for harmful contaminants in their drinking water systems. Benzene is found in crude oil, gasoline, and wildfire smoke and has been linked to numerous ailments ranging from skin and eye irritation to leukemia. Without immediate testing requirements, those in impacted communities could go months or years living with uncertainty about the safety of their drinking water.
“Wildfires are becoming increasingly devastating, and ensuring safe and secure water infrastructure in their aftermath is fundamental to our mission at BuildStrong California,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Natalie Enclade. “Assemblymember Wood’s leadership on this issue is much needed, and the bill offers a direct prevention measure for communities that must be able to rely on the safety of their water systems following these disasters.”
