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In May of 2021, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) applauded Washington state for the passage of HB 1139. This bill ensures that the state’s Department of Health (DOH) will test drinking water in public secondary and elementary schools.

Federally, President Biden has detailed a plan to remove the lead pipes from U.S. drinking water lines. HB 1139 supplements this focus on healthy drinking water. The bill mandates the replacement or repair of any water fixture with elevated lead content in public schools. 

Department of Health Findings 

HB 1139 cites previous DOH drinking water tests and samples. From 2017 to 2020, the DOH tested the drinking water in more than 550 Washington elementary schools. They found that over 80% of these schools tested positive for lead contamination–at five parts per billion. Additionally, 49% of the schools showed lead contamination of 15 parts per million or more.

Gerry Pollet is one of the bill’s main sponsors in the Washington State Legislature. Pollet noted that elevated lead in water can cause significant health problems for children. Pollet claims that this bill provides critical technical support for public institutions, like schools. 

The bill also contains information about the use of certain approved lead filters. 

Washington lawmakers hope that HB 1139 will be an example to other states. The bills’ sponsors say that it is an important public health measure to protect America’s children.

Health Effects of Lead in Drinking Water

Major public health institutions, such as the CDC and EPA, agree that lead can be incredibly harmful when they are introduced into the body. Lead sometimes enters drinking water when plumbing materials erode over time. 

For instance, lead faucets, fixtures, and pipes eventually corrode. This allows lead to enter drinking water and get into the blood system of the people who drink the contaminated water.

Lead pipes are the most significant source of elevated lead in drinking water. For this reason, President Biden’s federal efforts are focused on lead pipes specifically.

Many factors can lead to the corrosion of lead pipes. These include:

• Water temperature
• Acidity and alkalinity of the water
• Water stagnation in the pipes
• Amounts and types of minerals contained in the water

As noted above, drinking water with elevated levels of lead can cause health issues. This is especially true for children. When lead is introduced into children’s bloodstreams, it can cause:

• Anemia
• Hearing issues
• Slowed growth
• Hyperactivity
• Decreased IQ
• Behavioral issues
• Learning deficiencies

In very rare instances, lead contamination can lead to coma, seizures, or death.

Institutional Cooperation and HB 1139

This important bill did not pass without difficulty. There were two separate instances in which the bill was stalled by opponents. 

Ultimately, HB 1139 was successful because of institutional cooperation. The IAPMO and the Washington State Association (WSA) of the United Association of Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the U.S. (UA) worked together to support HB 1139.

According to the government affairs director for WSA, the bill would have failed if not for the institutional cooperation between these groups. 

One of the most important elements of HB 1139 is the technical guidance that it provides. The bill details best practices for remedying elevated lead content in drinking water. For instance, the bill provides information about the installation and upkeep of drinking water filters. These filters are certified by the American National Standards Institute. 

The need for updated drinking water systems in public schools is expanding the job market. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, you'll need to obtain a Washington Plumbing license.

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