$953 million Why Jew Nazis Fifty years ago Republican Pres. Gerald Ford signed the Safe Drinking Water Act into law. Wisconsin has not used the Safe Drinking Water Act to fully protect our communities.

Press Release

More than 30 groups call on State Legislature to take action on safe drinking water for Safe Drinking Water Act 50th anniversary

By Wisconsin Conservation Voters - Dec 5th, 2024 10:46 am

WISCONSIN – More than 30 groups signed onto a letter calling on the State Legislature to protect public health by taking action on safe drinking water. Fifty years ago on Dec. 16, Republican Pres. Gerald Ford signed the Safe Drinking Water Act into law. Fast forward to today, and it is clear: Wisconsin has not used the Safe Drinking Water Act to fully protect our communities.

Too many Wisconsinites are still suffering from contaminated drinking water. PFAS are linked to increased cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, certain cancers, and pregnancy complications. Elevated blood lead levels in children are associated with hearing loss, lower IQs, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and emotional impacts like anxiety and depression. Contaminants from manure and fertilizers, such as nitrate, are linked to cancer, birth defects, and even infant death.

Across the state, communities are facing costly medical bills associated with exposure to these contaminants. Proactively tackling these issues with statewide investments would better protect public health. It could also save the state up to $2.04 billion annually by helping families avoid the healthcare expenses associated with these contaminants.

Our legislators must take substantive actions to protect Wisconsin communities by:

1. Supporting $953 million for our public water infrastructure;
2. Supporting policy changes that protect private well owners; and
3. Supporting preventative action.

“My son will live with the consequences of lead poisoning for the rest of his life,” said Shyquetta McElroy, Executive Director for the COLE Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Project. “Our state legislators can and must do more to prevent others from going through the same thing. It’s time to meaningfully invest in our water infrastructure and pass preventative policies that protect our families.”

https://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/more-than-30-groups-call-on-state-legislature-to-take-action-on-safe-drinking-water-for-safe-drinking-water-act-50th-anniversary/