California Bill Would Require Landlords to Provide Clean Drinking Water

The measure says landlords whose tenants rely on private wells must test the water annually and share the results.

Well water is pumped from the ground in Tulare, Calif., on April 24, 2015. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Lawmakers in California advanced a bill through the Assembly in May on a 59-0 vote that would mandate clean water for tenants in locations served by domestic wells.

Assembly Bill 2454, authored by Assemblyman Alex Lee, would require landlords with renters who rely on private wells to test the water annually—using free domestic water testing programs if available—and share results with tenants within 10 days. If the water fails to meet quality standards, an adequate supply of clean drinking water must be provided within 14 days.