Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
Today in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, along with other officials, celebrated the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department’s progress in protecting the city’s drinking water from lead contamination.
Since 2022, Detroit has received $90 million in federal funding to help replace lead pipes. This includes $85 million distributed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE), and a $5 million EPA grant awarded under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. Legacy pipes can leach lead into drinking water, causing developmental problems, liver damage, and other health concerns.
“The science is clear; there is no safe level of lead exposure. That’s why it is vitally important to rid our communities of lead service lines to reduce lead exposure for residents, especially children,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda is accelerating progress on removing legacy lead pipes. With the help of EPA funding, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has made game-changing progress to replace lead service lines across the city, helping to build a healthier Detroit for years to come while creating good-paying jobs in the process.”
Recent federal funding has rapidly accelerated the city’s lead service line replacement program. Since 2018, nearly 9,500 lead service lines have been replaced by the utility. Over half of those—nearly 5,000—have been replaced in 2024 alone. The program prioritizes vulnerable areas such as communities with a high density of low-income households, children and seniors, and housing built before 1945.
"Since Governor Whitmer took office, more than $958 million has been invested to remove lead service lines across the state," said EGLE Director Phil Roos. "We applaud the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration and the Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts to help communities across Michigan get the lead out."
“EPA funding has enabled DWSD to accelerate lead service line replacement without any cost to homeowners,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We appreciate the support from the Biden Harris Administration.”
“Getting the lead service lines out of Detroit homes is a public health issue,” said DWSD Director Gary Brown. “The $90 million received through EPA and EGLE has made our accelerated pace possible without impacting water rates.”
Lead poses serious health risks to both children and adults; however, children are especially vulnerable. Low-income and historically underserved communities disproportionately experience high levels of lead in their drinking water due to being served by outdated infrastructure.
The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act addresses America's drinking water infrastructure needs through various programs designed to reduce contaminants like lead in disadvantaged communities.
