The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $28.65 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to help Idaho identify and replace lead service lines, aiming to prevent exposure to lead in drinking water. This initiative is part of the broader commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation to ensure safe drinking water. The funding, provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through EPA’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, contributes to the Administration’s efforts to address environmental justice and enhance public health.
"EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller stated, 'Lead in drinking water is a public health crisis that must be addressed so people can trust what comes out of their tap.'"
The funding is a part of the Justice40 Initiative, working to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from federal investments reach disadvantaged communities. Lead exposure disproportionately affects marginalized communities, making these initiatives crucial for public health. The aim is to replace approximately 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for numerous families.
"EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines, with specific provisions for funding distribution to disadvantaged communities. The focus is on the identification and replacement of lead service lines to reduce lead exposure in drinking water across all states and territories.
"EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025."
In addition to funding, EPA is releasing guidance for states on effectively reducing lead exposure in drinking water. New outreach materials are being developed to help water systems educate customers on lead exposure issues and ways to support lead service line identification in their homes.