MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Senate has sent a bill that would repeal a safe drinking water requirement to the governor.
The Republican measure repeals a state Department of Natural Resources rule that calls for municipal governments to install equipment to disinfect their water by December 2013.
The DNR says only 66 out of 612 municipal water systems currently lack the equipment. Those systems supply water to about 85,000 people.
Supporters say the repeal would save those municipalities millions. Opponents counter the move increases the risk of unhealthy water.
The Senate passed the measure 21-11. The Assembly passed it next week. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature. Walker's spokesman says the governor supports relieving local governments of expensive state mandates.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
