SB 1422 (Portantino) Testing Drinking Water for Microplastics
Overview: The public has a right to know if they are ingesting plastic. SB 1422 would require annual testing for the presence of microplastics in drinking water and the public disclosure of test results.
Position and Status: CAW is supporting this bill.
Passed the Senate Environmental Quality committee on April 18th, 2018
Passed the Senate Appropriations committee on May 25th, 2018
Passed the Senate floor May 31st, 2018
Passed the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials committee on June 26th, 2018
Passed the Assembly Appropriations committee August 16th, 2018
Passed Assembly floor vote August 30, 2018
Passed Senate concurrence vote August 31, 2018
SIGNED INTO LAW! September 28, 2018
Description: A growing body of research has shown that microplastics are present in marine environments, within marine organisms, and in drinking water. In a survey that compared 150 tap water samples from both large cities and small towns on five continents, microscopic plastic fibers were found in nearly every sample. 94% of the water samples from the United States contained plastic microfibers. Microfiber pollution isn’t unique to just tap water, two recent studies have shown that microplastics are present in bottled water as well. One study found that 19 out of 20 bottled water brands analyzed were contaminated with microplastics. Consumers have a right to know what they are ingesting and SB 1422 will provide useful data on the presence of microplastics in drinking water. This bill will provide the public with information on the sources and ultimate destinations of plastic pollution.
CAW staff contact: Melissa Romero, 916-443-5422