The Biden-Harris Administration has implemented new regulations aimed at eliminating lead pipes across the United States within a decade. This initiative is part of the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which mandates drinking water systems to identify and replace lead pipes in ten years. The rule also requires enhanced testing and communication about lead risks in drinking water.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating, "We've known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts for children's health." He highlighted President Biden's commitment to ending this public health problem through these regulatory improvements and investments.
During Children's Environmental Health Month, Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance noted the significance of these measures: “With the protection of the lead and copper rule improvements, and funding to finally remove lead pipes from schools and homes, the Biden-Harris Administration continues to invest in our children and communities.”
In conjunction with these regulatory changes, $29,810,000 in funding has been allocated to Arkansas under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding aims to support projects related to lead pipe replacement and inventory through state revolving funds. Nearly half of this amount will be directed towards disadvantaged communities as grants or principal forgiveness.
Additionally, $35 million in competitive grant funding is available for reducing lead in drinking water nationwide. Communities can apply directly for these grants via an EPA website dedicated to identifying funding sources.
The administration's efforts are rooted in addressing environmental justice issues as legacy lead pipes disproportionately affect lower-income communities and communities of color. By removing these pipes, the administration seeks not only to improve public health but also to create local jobs.
The science underscores that there is no safe level of lead exposure. The Centers for Disease Control warns that lead can cause severe developmental issues in children and various health problems in adults without any known antidote.
Communities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Erie have already made strides toward replacing their remaining lead service lines with federal support. The LCRI is expected to yield significant public health benefits annually by protecting infants from low birthweight, preventing ADHD cases among children, reducing premature deaths due to heart disease, and preserving IQ points lost due to lead exposure.
The EPA supports this initiative through technical assistance programs like WaterTA and practical tools designed for effective implementation across various states.
For more details on these regulations or additional resources regarding safe drinking water initiatives, individuals are encouraged to visit relevant EPA web pages.
