The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $49 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to assist Virginia in identifying and replacing lead service lines, ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health. Lead exposure, particularly from lead pipes, can have severe health consequences, especially for children's brain development.

"EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of removing lead pipes promptly, stating, 'There is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes.'"

This allocation is part of President Biden's commitment to replacing all lead pipes in the country, with a focus on environmental justice and disadvantaged communities. The funding, made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, aims to advance the Administration's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and Get the Lead Out Initiative.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia expressed his approval of the funding, stating, "This funding will help to ensure that every Virginian has access to the clean, safe water they deserve." Senator Tim Kaine also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of replacing lead service lines to protect community health.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, spearheaded by President Biden, allocates $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines, with a significant portion designated for grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities. The law aims to address the estimated 9 million lead service lines across the nation, with a focus on reducing lead exposure in drinking water.

EPA's funding formula for lead service line replacement prioritizes states with higher projected lead service lines, ensuring a targeted approach to public health protection. Additionally, EPA's new memorandum provides guidance on effectively reducing lead exposure in drinking water, while outreach documents help water systems educate customers on lead-related issues.

The Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to eliminating lead pipes has already shown promising results nationwide. The latest funding for Virginia will further support projects aimed at replacing lead service lines and reducing lead exposure in drinking water. EPA encourages the public to explore the Investing in America’s Water Infrastructure Story Map to learn more about the transformative impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The funding allotments are based on EPA's comprehensive assessment of service line materials in the United States, with plans for further data collection and analysis in the coming years. For detailed information on state-specific funding and EPA's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, visit EPA's Drinking Water website.