The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a partnership with the city of Monmouth, Illinois, to accelerate the identification and replacement of lead water pipes. This collaboration is part of the EPA’s Get the Lead Out Initiative, funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Monmouth joins approximately 200 communities nationwide in this initiative, which aims for 100% lead service line replacement. The initiative will provide technical assistance to help these communities address lead contamination in drinking water.
Lead consumption through drinking water can cause significant health issues, including irreversible brain development harm in children. To combat this, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $15 billion for lead pipe replacement and $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. This year alone, nearly $241 million has been designated for Illinois.
Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore emphasized the importance of this funding: “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Monmouth across the country.” She added that EPA is utilizing all available tools—regulation, funding, and technical assistance—to eliminate lead from drinking water.
Senator Dick Durbin highlighted the significance of clean water access: “Access to clean, safe drinking water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right.” He noted that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aims to eradicate lead-contaminated drinking water threats in underserved areas.
Senator Tammy Duckworth also underscored her commitment: “Making sure all families have access to clean water is important to me... Now, I’m proud the Biden-Harris Administration’s Get the Lead Out program is continuing to prioritize getting the lead out of pipes in Illinois communities like Monmouth.”
Monmouth Mayor Rod Davies expressed gratitude for federal support: “Monmouth is not a wealthy community and has many low-to-moderate income households who will definitely benefit from this federal program.” He added that without this initiative, addressing health risks from lead service lines would be challenging for Monmouth.
Under this initiative, EPA will aid Monmouth in identifying lead pipes, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding. These steps aim to ensure Monmouth progresses swiftly towards achieving 100% lead-free pipes.
EPA estimates around nine million lead service lines remain nationwide. Communities seeking assistance can request it via EPA’s WaterTA website.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed in 2021 includes a historic $50 billion investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. Of this amount, $15 billion is dedicated specifically to replacing lead service lines. Through initiatives like Get the Lead Out, EPA aims to ensure equitable access to these investments for all communities.
