The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a collaboration with the city of Fostoria, Ohio, to identify and replace drinking water lead pipes as part of the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative. This initiative is funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which aims for 100% lead service line replacement nationwide.
Debra Shore, Administrator for EPA Region 5, emphasized the health risks associated with lead consumption in drinking water, particularly its irreversible effects on brain development in children. She highlighted that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $15 billion for lead pipe replacement and an additional $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This funding includes over $184 million specifically for Ohio this year.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Fostoria across the country,” said 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.”
Fostoria Mayor Don Mennel expressed gratitude for the partnership with EPA: “The City of Fostoria is extremely fortunate to be able to partner with the EPA and the Get the Lead Out Initiative. The project is moving quickly and efficiently. Without this team effort, we wouldn’t be this far along already.”
Eric Keckler, Fostoria Safety Service Director, also acknowledged the significance of being one of only 200 communities chosen for this program: “This initiative will help us tackle the challenging task of identifying and eliminating every lead service line in our community over time. We are truly grateful to the EPA for their support and expertise in helping us achieve this critical goal.”
The Get the Lead Out Initiative will assist Fostoria in identifying lead pipes, developing replacement plans, enhancing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for necessary funding. These efforts align with President Biden’s goal of achieving 100% lead-free pipes.
Under recent revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule, public water utilities must prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024. Communities can request technical assistance through EPA’s WaterTA website.
Signed into law in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides a historic $50 billion investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. It dedicates more than $15 billion specifically to replacing lead service lines. The EPA aims to ensure equitable access to these investments through various programs under its Water Technical Assistance portfolio.
As part of a broader government effort to address lead exposure comprehensively, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share best practices among state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.
