Legislature to consider notification of lead service lines when real estate is sold

UPDATE: this bill was signed by the governor.

A bill has been introduced that would require a seller of real estate to notify a potential buyer if a property has lead service lines which bring water to the building.

If the water lines leading into a building are made of lead, the lead from the pipes can leach into the water.  Drinking water contaminated with lead can result in a range of health problems.  High levels of lead are extremely dangerous to children, including lower IQ, learning and behavior difficulties, and slowed growth.  Adults with high levels of lead exposure can experience high blood pressure, memory and concentration issues, muscle and joint pain, and other issues.

Replacing lead services lines is costly.

A person purchasing a property has a right to know if the building has lead service lines.  It can result in a negotiation between the buyer and seller about purchase price and replacement of the service lines.  It could result in a potential buyer walking away from a property.  Disclosure of the lead services lines allows a potential buyer to make an informed decision about purchasing the property.

The Sierra Club supports this legislation.

What you can do

HF876 passed both the House and the Senate.  It is now waiting for the governor to sign the bill.  Ask Governor Reynolds to sign HF876.  You can phone the Governor's office at 515-281-5211, write a letter, or send an electronic message to E-Mail  (Note: To electronically send a letter to the governor, you must use the governor's website.)

Gov. Kim Reynolds
State Capitol
1007 E. Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50319