The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a partnership with the city of Ferndale, Michigan, to accelerate the replacement of lead water pipes and enhance public health protection. This initiative is part of the EPA's Get the Lead Out Initiative, which is fully funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative aims to support approximately 200 communities nationwide in replacing lead service lines.
Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott and Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore joined U.S. Representative Haley Stevens in Ferndale for this announcement. The collaboration will help identify drinking water lead pipes, expedite their replacement, and protect public health.
"The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead in drinking water," said Bruno Pigott. "I am thrilled to be in Ferndale today, celebrating a joint effort to get the lead out of drinking water."
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $15 billion towards replacing lead pipes and delivering clean drinking water across the nation. In Michigan alone, nearly $62 million has been allocated this year for such efforts.
"Michigan knows all too well the dangers of lead pipes," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow. "This critical partnership between the EPA and Ferndale will help identify and replace lead pipes so that families don’t have to question whether their water is safe to drink."
Ferndale's participation includes identifying lead pipes, developing replacement plans, increasing community outreach, and applying for funding through EPA's resources.
Rep. Haley Stevens emphasized that "every American deserves safe, lead-free drinking water." She added that this collaboration would help fulfill that promise as part of her efforts in Congress with colleagues from Michigan.
Phil Roos from Michigan's Department of Environment highlighted past investments exceeding $5 billion aimed at improving state-wide infrastructure related to water safety.
EPA estimates around nine million lead service lines remain nationwide. Communities can request assistance via EPA’s WaterTA website as part of broader efforts under new regulations finalized on October 8th requiring more stringent testing and quicker action against identified risks.
