California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law legislation that will reduce the amount of lead found in faucets, fittings, piping and other common plumbing parts installed and repaired throughout the state to just 0.25% - a huge reduction from the old limit of 8%. Plumbing manufacturers have until 2010 to comply with the new restriction.

“Protecting public health is a top priority,” Schwarzenegger said in a news release. “I signed this bill to reduce the amount of lead exposure in California's drinking water. We need to make sure that the water we consume is safe for everyone, especially our children.”