The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new regulations and funding aimed at addressing lead contamination in drinking water systems across the United States. The final rule, known as the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandates that all drinking water systems identify and replace lead pipes within a decade. It also requires stricter testing protocols and lower thresholds for action on lead exposure, aiming to enhance community awareness about the risks associated with lead-contaminated water.
In conjunction with these regulatory measures, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that South Carolina will receive $31,119,000 in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support lead pipe replacement projects. Nearly half of this funding is earmarked for disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness loans. Furthermore, an additional $35 million in competitive grant funding is available nationwide for reducing lead in drinking water.
Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator, 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 President Biden's commitment to ending this public health issue through significant investments in infrastructure.
Jeaneanne Gettle, acting Administrator of EPA’s Region 4, remarked on the importance of these initiatives: “Our new lead rule and the funding that it provides are crucial to address a long-standing problem in our Southeastern states of families and children being exposed to lead from the pipes in their homes.”
The science underscores that there is no safe level of lead exposure; it can severely affect children's development and cause various health issues in adults. As part of broader efforts under the Biden-Harris Administration's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct federal investment benefits toward marginalized communities, these actions are designed to promote environmental justice.
Several cities have already made progress in removing legacy lead pipes. Milwaukee Water Works plans to replace all remaining pipes within ten years using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Detroit Water and Sewerage Department has replaced nearly 10,000 lines since 2018. Cincinnati has passed legislation aligned with federal goals for complete removal of such pipes.
The LCRI is projected to protect hundreds of thousands from adverse health effects annually while creating jobs related to infrastructure improvements. For more information on these regulations and resources available for communities dealing with legacy piping issues, interested parties can visit EPA's dedicated webpage.
