The Biden-Harris Administration has announced new regulations and funding aimed at addressing lead contamination in drinking water systems across the United States. Under the new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), drinking water systems are required to identify and replace lead pipes within a decade. This initiative also mandates more rigorous testing of drinking water and lowers the threshold for action on lead exposure.
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 is committed to ending this public health issue through these improvements and investments in infrastructure.
Dr. Earthea Nance, Regional Administrator, highlighted the significance of this initiative during Children’s Environmental Health Month, noting that "lead from drinking water lines has a significant, lasting effect on kids’ development, behavior and well-being."
In conjunction with these regulatory changes, $198,508,000 in funding will be provided to Texas 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. An additional $35 million in competitive grant funding is available for reducing lead in drinking water.
The EPA estimates up to 9 million homes nationwide are served by legacy lead pipes, disproportionately affecting lower-income communities and communities of color. The administration's efforts aim to advance environmental justice by eliminating such disparities.
The LCRI is expected to yield significant public health benefits annually: protecting infants from low birthweight issues; preventing ADHD cases; reducing premature deaths from heart disease; and preserving children's IQ points.
Communities like Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Erie have already made strides in replacing lead pipes with support from federal funding initiatives.
For further details on the final rule and related resources, interested parties can visit the EPA's dedicated webpage.
