The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a collaboration with the city of Galion, Ohio, to identify and replace drinking water lead pipes, aiming to protect public health. This initiative is part of EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which seeks to achieve 100% lead service line replacement nationwide. The program will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities across the country.
Lead in drinking water poses significant health risks, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To address this issue, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $15 billion for lead pipe replacement and clean water delivery. Many underserved communities lack resources for planning and accessing federal investments for lead pipe replacement. The technical assistance from the Get the Lead Out initiative aims to ensure that all communities have the opportunity to replace lead pipes.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Galion across the country,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation’s drinking water once and for all.”
Under this initiative, EPA will assist Galion with identifying lead pipes and educating the public about them. These efforts aim to help Galion secure a lead-free future for its residents and align with President Biden’s goal of achieving 100% lead-free pipes.
According to the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all public water utilities must prepare an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024. Communities seeking assistance with lead service line replacement can request it via EPA’s WaterTA website.
Signed into law in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating over $15 billion specifically for replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring that every community can access this investment through various technical assistance programs like Get the Lead Out.
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's effort to tackle lead exposure comprehensively, EPA aims to remove barriers hindering lead pipe removal while advancing the President's Justice40 Initiative. This ensures that disadvantaged communities affected by underinvestment and pollution receive adequate protection from lead exposure.
EPA also plans to offer community and state support through peer exchange and learning opportunities under this initiative. Tools and case studies will be developed to share best practices among state and Tribal programs, water system managers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
