NJ lawmakers call for safer water pipes

NEW JERSEY (FOX5NY.COM) - On a recent afternoon in Moonachie, New Jersey, crews from Suez Water worked to replace old, underground water pipes from 1949.

New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker along with Congressman Bill Pascrell announced a plan this week to reintroduce legislation in Washington to protect New Jersey's water systems.

The measure -- called the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Act of 2016 -- would stimulate billions of dollars in private-sector investments to fund repairs to local water systems. Repairs badly needed, especially given what's happening in Flint, Michigan.

Flint is facing a monumental water crisis. Tap water in the city has been tainted with lead for nearly two years, ever since the city switched water sources to save money. Thousands of children have been exposed to the water. Health experts say they could face lifelong health problems because of it.

New Jersey lawmakers have introduced legislation to protect our local water systems in each of the past four sessions of Congress, but their efforts failed. They say they hope this time with more attention to the situation in flint and to our nation's infrastructure needs in general that things will be different.