The Biden-Harris Administration has issued a final rule mandating the replacement of lead pipes in drinking water systems nationwide within ten years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) aim to enhance testing, lower action thresholds for lead levels, and improve communication with communities about the risks of lead exposure and plans for pipe replacement.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment by President Biden to eliminate all lead pipes across the country within a decade. As part of this effort, $24,898,000 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be allocated to New Hampshire for projects related to lead pipe replacement and inventory. Additionally, 49% of these funds are designated for disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the health risks associated with lead exposure: "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 noted that the administration is working towards ending this public health issue through regulatory improvements and investments in infrastructure.
Regional Administrator David W. Cash stated, "Everyone deserves safe, clean water in their homes, no matter where they live or how much they earn." He highlighted the new rule's requirement for better testing and faster action alongside critical funding support.
According to EPA estimates, up to nine million homes still use legacy lead pipes, often located in lower-income areas or communities of color. The new regulations seek not only to mitigate these disparities but also offer economic benefits estimated at up to 13 times greater than their costs.
Communities like Milwaukee Water Works and Detroit Water and Sewerage Department have already begun replacing their lead pipes with federal assistance. These efforts align with the EPA's projections that each year following LCRI implementation could protect infants from low birth weight issues, prevent ADHD cases among children, reduce premature deaths from heart disease, and avert IQ point losses due to lead exposure.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides significant funding aimed at improving national water infrastructure over five years while advancing environmental justice initiatives such as Justice40. Technical assistance programs by EPA will further aid communities in identifying service lines needing replacement and accessing necessary financial resources.
For further details on these measures or access practical implementation tools provided by EPA visit their official webpage dedicated specifically towards addressing issues related directly back into society concerning harmful substances found within our everyday environment today!
