Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a collaboration with the city of Sandusky, 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 serious 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; thus, the Get the Lead Out initiative aims to ensure no community is left behind.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Sandusky 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.”
City of Sandusky Manager John Orzech expressed gratitude for EPA's support: “We appreciate the EPA's partnership and support through the Get the Lead Out Initiative, enabling us to take significant steps towards a healthier, safer Sandusky.”
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, emphasized her role in securing funds: “Glad to see vital funds from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law returning home to the people of Sandusky and Erie County... I will never stop fighting to ensure that all citizens across Northwest Ohio can trust the water from their tap.”
Under this initiative, EPA will assist Sandusky with identifying lead pipes and educating residents about them. These efforts align with President Biden’s goal of achieving 100% lead-free pipes.
According to Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, 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.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed in 2021 provides a $50 billion investment in water infrastructure, dedicating over $15 billion specifically for replacing lead service lines. EPA aims to ensure every community can access its share through various technical assistance programs like Get the Lead Out.
As part of a broader effort by the Biden-Harris Administration to tackle lead exposure under Justice40 InitiativeExit EPA’s website ensures disadvantaged communities are protected from pollution-related issues like lead exposure.
EPA commits to providing meaningful opportunities for community support through peer exchange and learning initiatives within Get the Lead Out. The agency plans to develop tools and case studies for sharing best practices among state programs, water system managers, and community leaders.
