The Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance on Aug. 21 to help water systems reduce lead exposure in communities across the country, targeting a public health threat that affects millions of American households still connected to water mains through lead service lines.
An estimated 9 million lead service lines remain in use across the United States, the EPA said, making interim lead reduction measures critical while the long-term pipe replacement effort continues.
Lead exposure causes irreversible neurological damage, especially in children, with no safe level established by public health authorities. Even low levels of lead in drinking water can impair cognitive development, reduce IQ and cause behavioral problems in children.
The guidance provides water utilities with technical and procedural direction on testing protocols, consumer notification requirements and remediation strategies, according to the EPA. It is designed to help communities reduce exposure while the physical infrastructure replacement work proceeds.
The guidance follows the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which set new requirements for lead pipe replacement timelines and more protective action levels for lead in drinking water. The rule requires water systems to inventory their lead service lines and develop replacement schedules.
The national lead pipe replacement effort has been accelerated by infrastructure law funding, but full replacement of all 9 million lines is expected to take years and cost tens of billions of dollars. In the interim, corrosion control treatment and consumer education remain the primary tools for reducing exposure.
For American homeowners and renters — particularly those in older housing stock in cities like Chicago, Newark and Milwaukee — the guidance addresses a daily health risk that disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color.
Water utilities can access the full guidance through the EPA’s Office of Water.