Federal Appropriation Will be Used to Clean Contaminated Wells in Inland Empire

Washington, DC – Today, a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Defense appropriations bill, legislation that includes $2 million secured by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto), for the purpose of treating perchlorate contaminated wells in the Inland Empire.  The bill includes funding secured by Rep. Baca to clean up wells operated by the cities of Rialto, Colton, the West Valley Water District, and the Fontana Water Company, and passed the House with a 400 to 30 vote.

“Clean, safe drinking water is a right all American families deserve – and eliminating perchlorate from our local water supplies has been a top priority of mine in Congress,” said Rep. Baca.  “The funding request included in today’s legislation will help improve the safety of our drinking water, and is vital to public health in our Inland communities.”

The $2 million secured by Rep. Baca will be used by area water purveyors, working in conjunction with Department of Defense program managers, to demonstrate technologies for wellhead treatment, perhclorate source identification, and contamination containment. 

Perchlorate, a rocket fuel additive, has been found to be present at trace levels in some Inland communities.  Perchlorate is a volatile organic compound that has been found to be harmful to humans as it interferes with thyroid function.  

“Perchlorate has contaminated sources in my Congressional District and other areas, making the water unsafe if it is not treated,” concluded Rep. Baca.  “I am proud to bring these federal dollars home to strengthen the long term water quality and stability of the Inland Empire.  Any actions we in the federal government can take to improve water quality is important to ensuring our communities, neighborhoods, and families are free from the harmful effects of perchlorate.”