The Biden-Harris Administration has introduced new regulations and funding aimed at addressing lead contamination in drinking water. The final rule, part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandates that drinking water systems nationwide identify and replace lead pipes within a decade. It also requires stricter testing and sets a lower threshold for action on lead levels to protect public health. "President Biden is putting an end to this generational public health problem," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.
In conjunction with these regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $43,963,000 in funding for Alabama under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding is designated for projects related to lead pipe replacement and inventory, with nearly half allocated as grants or principal forgiveness to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, $35 million in competitive grant funding is available nationally for reducing lead in drinking water.
The administration's efforts are part of a broader commitment to environmental justice, targeting areas disproportionately affected by legacy lead pipes. Acting Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle of EPA’s Region 4 highlighted the importance of this initiative: "The action EPA is taking today will eliminate one of the last persistent sources of lead exposure to children in our country."
Communities across the U.S., including Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Erie, have already begun efforts to replace lead pipes using federal support. These initiatives align with the administration's goal of eliminating all lead service lines nationwide.
The LCRI aims to prevent numerous health issues associated with lead exposure, such as low birth weight in infants and developmental problems in children. By implementing these measures, the administration hopes not only to improve public health but also to create local jobs through infrastructure projects.
For further details on the final rule and additional resources, interested parties can visit the EPA's dedicated webpage.
