The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced a new rule requiring the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within a decade. This initiative is part of the administration's broader agenda to improve public health and infrastructure under the Investing in America plan.
To support this mandate, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $168 million in funding for states in EPA Region 8, which includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. These funds are provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and are designated for drinking water infrastructure projects.
According to the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), communities will face stricter requirements for testing water quality and taking action against lead contamination. The rule also aims to enhance communication about lead risks and pipe replacement plans. EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker emphasized that these investments will help eliminate health risks associated with aging infrastructure: “This historic funding will ensure our water providers have what they need to identify and replace lead pipes so everyone in our region can access safe drinking water.”
Additionally, $35 million in competitive grants will be available for communities to reduce lead levels in drinking water. The funding must allocate at least 49% to disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the importance of this initiative: “President Biden is putting an end to this generational public health problem. With the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and historic investments in lead pipe replacement, the Biden-Harris Administration is fulfilling its commitment that no community... should have to worry about lead-contaminated water in their homes.”
Manish Bapna from the Natural Resources Defense Council praised the new regulations: “The EPA’s new lead rule will begin to reverse the massive public health disaster of lead-contaminated tap water that has affected generations of our children.”
Lead exposure remains a significant concern due to its harmful effects on both children and adults. The LCRI aims to mitigate these risks by enforcing stringent measures across all states.
Communities such as Denver Water, Milwaukee Water Works, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, and Erie Water Works have already initiated projects funded by federal sources like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace outdated lead pipes within ten years or less.
The LCRI outlines achievable practices that several states have already implemented successfully. According to EPA estimates, each year following its implementation could protect up to 900,000 infants from low birthweight issues, prevent ADHD in up to 2,600 children, reduce premature deaths from heart disease by up to 1,500 cases, and save up to 200,000 IQ points lost among children.
The overall goal is not only improving public health but also creating jobs through these infrastructure improvements while ensuring economic opportunities for local communities.
For further details on these developments or information regarding technical assistance tools available for communities working on reducing lead exposure in drinking water systems can visit EPA's official webpage dedicated to this rule.
