The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced partnerships with six Massachusetts cities—Chelsea, Fall River, Malden, Melrose, Revere, and Taunton—to identify and replace lead pipes used for delivering drinking water. This initiative is part of the EPA's Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative, funded by the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"There is no safe level of lead exposure, and that's why the Biden-Harris Administration is providing funding and technical assistance to help identify and replace lead service lines in Massachusetts and around the country," said EPA Chief of Staff Dan Utech. "The Get the Lead Out Initiative is a big step towards the goal of 100% lead service line replacement in Massachusetts."

EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash emphasized the importance of clean water access: "Everyone deserves to have safe, clean water in their homes, no matter where they live or how much they earn. With today's announcement, we're helping six communities in Massachusetts accelerate the replacement of lead pipes, protecting children and families from the harmful effects of lead exposure."

Consuming lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion to replace lead pipes nationwide, including over $50 million for Massachusetts this year alone.

The law also allocated $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for similar purposes. Many underserved communities lack resources to plan for such replacements; thus, GLO provides technical assistance to ensure equitable access.

Under GLO:

- Chelsea will receive help identifying lead pipes through historical records review and field verifications.

- Fall River will benefit from targeted field verification plans.

- Malden will get assistance with field verifications and community engagement plans.

- Melrose will be supported in developing replacement plans.

- Revere will receive support for verification plans and community outreach.

- Taunton will develop verification plans and enhance community education efforts.

EPA estimates there are about 9 million lead service lines still in use across the country. Communities can request assistance via EPA's WaterTA website.

"Access to clean, safe drinking water is a basic human right," said U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren. "Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we're going to keep children and families safe by finding and replacing nearly 200,000 lead pipes across the Commonwealth."

U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey added: "Every Massachusetts resident—regardless of their zip code—deserves access to safe, clean drinking water... I won't stop fighting until all Massachusetts communities with old building stock have achieved 100% lead service line replacement."

María Belén Power from Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs noted that technical assistance empowers communities toward environmental justice by addressing infrastructure disparities.

MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple highlighted progress but acknowledged more work remains: "This support from the EPA is helping us prioritize critical infrastructure upgrades."

Local leaders expressed gratitude for federal support:

"Chelsea takes pride in being an early adopter of a comprehensive lead pipe replacement policy," said Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez.

"This funding has allowed Fall River to remove over 750 lead water services," said Mayor Paul Coogan.

Malden Mayor Gary Christenson appreciated federal collaboration: "It is these partnerships that will create healthier environments for our residents."

Melrose Mayor Jen Grigoraitis mentioned budget constraints: "We're extremely grateful for this impact as we continue removing lead service lines."

Revere Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr.: "We are taking an aggressive approach toward our goal of 100% lead-free."

Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell emphasized public health priorities: "This vital funding allows us meaningful steps toward a lead-free future."

Community organizations also voiced support:

Mónica Elias-Orellana from GreenRoots stated: "By removing lead pipes... we are protecting children's health."

Kiera Alventosa from Clean Water Action noted educational efforts: "Clean Water Fund has worked closely with community leaders... ensuring resources reach every member."

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 billion investment in drinking water infrastructure since its signing in 2021.

For more information on identifying lead service lines at home or reducing exposure risks, visit EPA's Protect Your Tap guide online.