The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems across the United States within a decade. This regulation, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), aims to enhance testing protocols and lower the threshold for action to protect communities from lead exposure. The initiative is part of a broader commitment by President Biden to ensure all Americans have access to clean drinking water.
Alongside this regulatory change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed $2.6 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will be directed towards state revolving funds to support lead pipe replacement projects, with nearly half earmarked for disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, "We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes." He emphasized that President Biden's plan addresses this longstanding public health issue.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson praised the collaboration between federal and local governments, saying, "There is no higher priority than safety, and this announcement advances the safety of drinking water all across the country."
Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), remarked on the significance of this rule: “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.”
Mona Hanna, a pediatrician from Flint, Michigan, highlighted the importance for children's health: “A game changer for kids and communities... I commend the Biden-Harris administration for their steadfast efforts to finally update this ancient rule.”
The EPA estimates up to 9 million homes are served by legacy lead pipes nationwide. The new rule aims not only at replacing these pipes but also at informing families about risks associated with lead in drinking water.
Communities like Milwaukee and Detroit have already begun replacing their lead service lines with financial support from federal programs. For instance, Milwaukee received $30 million in 2024 alone under these initiatives.
The LCRI is expected to yield significant public health benefits by preventing low birthweight in infants and reducing cases of ADHD among children. It also aims at decreasing premature deaths related to heart disease.
For more details on these regulations and available resources, interested parties can visit EPA's dedicated webpage.
