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42 U.S.C. § 300j–23

U.S. CodeFederal
Drinking water coolers containing lead
About This Law
/us/usc/t42/s300j–23
Title
42 — The Public Health and Welfare
Chapter
CH6A
Release
119-84
Release Date
2026-04-17

Section Text

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(a) Publication of listsThe Administrator shall, after notice and opportunity for public comment, identify each brand and model of drinking water cooler which is not lead free, including each brand and model of drinking water cooler which has a lead-lined tank. For purposes of identifying the brand and model of drinking water coolers under this subsection, the Administrator shall use the best information available to the Environmental Protection Agency. Within 100 days after October 31, 1988, the Administrator shall publish a list of each brand and model of drinking water cooler identified under this subsection. Such list shall separately identify each brand and model of cooler which has a lead-lined tank. The Administrator shall continue to gather information regarding lead in drinking water coolers and shall revise and republish the list from time to time as may be appropriate as new information or analysis becomes available regarding lead contamination in drinking water coolers. (b) ProhibitionNo person may sell in interstate commerce, or manufacture for sale in interstate commerce, any drinking water cooler listed under subsection (a) or any other drinking water cooler which is not lead free, including a lead-lined drinking water cooler. (c) Criminal penaltyAny person who knowingly violates the prohibition contained in subsection (b) shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined in accordance with title 18, or both. (d) Civil penaltyThe Administrator may bring a civil action in the appropriate United States District Court (as determined under the provisions of title 28) to impose a civil penalty on any person who violates subsection (b). In any such action the court may impose on such person a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 ($50,000 in the case of a second or subsequent violation). (July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XIV, § 1463, as added Pub. L. 100–572, § 2(a), Oct. 31, 1988, 102 Stat. 2885; amended Pub. L. 104–182, title V, § 501(f)(9), Aug. 6, 1996, 110 Stat. 1692.) Editorial Notes Amendments1996—Pub. L. 104–182 made technical amendment to section catchline and subsec. (a) designation.

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