In January 2023, U.S.EPA launched a new initiative to accelerate its lead pipe replacement program with the aim of helping underserved communities to access funds for this purpose.
The EPA’s goal is to remove and replace 100% of the lead pipes that still exist in water distribution systems in cities all over the country.
According to an official EPA press release, this new accelerator initiative will provide “targeted technical assistance services” to replace lead pipes, aiming to work with 40 communities across Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Wisconsin throughout 2023.
This article discusses what you should know about lead water distribution pipes in the U.S., and what cities are doing to replace old lead piping infrastructure.
Why are lead water pipes dangerous?
Lead pipes pose serious health risks, especially for children. There have been countless scientific studies that prove this.
Lead accumulates in the body over time, making it all the more dangerous. Some of the known health effects of lead exposure in children are learning disabilities, impaired blood cell formation and function, hearing problems and central and peripheral nervous system damage.
Why do lead pipes still exist if we know about the dangers of drinking lead in our water? The primary reason is that many communities, especially those in inner urban and rural areas, do not have the appropriate resources and tools to treat the problem of lead service lines with the urgency it deserves.
Where are lead pipes found in the U.S.?
Lead pipes are a widespread issue, and lead is still found in water distribution systems in every U.S. state.
According to the NRDC, an estimated 9.7 million to 12.8 million lead pipes still existed in all 50 states in 2021, serving up to 22 million people.
Of these states, the 10 states that have the most lead lines, according to NRDC research, are Illinois, Ohio, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Missouri, Indiana, Texas, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Worryingly, in conducting their survey, researchers at the NRDC were informed by 23 states that these states did not have any means of tracking the number of lead pipes and were unable to provide estimates of total lead pipes.
This is concerning since the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule was established more than 30 years ago - and it is unlikely that states can effectively adhere to these health standards if they do not even have data on which water pipes are made from lead.
What is the program for lead pipe removal in U.S. cities?
The federal program for lead pipe removal in U.S. cities is the Biden-Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.
This program was established with the aim of delivering clean, safe drinking water to families across America and aims to replace all detected lead pipes and service lines in the country.
The plan includes more than 15 new actions, including:
- Working with federal, state and local partners to accelerate lead pipe replacement within the next 10 years
- Launching a new regulatory process to protect communities from exposure to lead in tap water
- Using a $350 billion State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund provided in the American Rescue Plan for replacing lead service lines, lead fixtures and faucets
EPA is primarily involved in supporting lead service line replacement plans in cities across the U.S.. Some of EPA’s roles in this program are increasing education and community outreach efforts, conducting inventories to determine the location of lead pipes and helping local authorities to apply for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, giving more communities access to federal funds for lead pipe replacement.
You can search your city followed by “lead pipe replacement plan” to learn about what is being done locally to limit your community’s exposure to lead. Many cities no longer have lead pipes, but lead goosenecks – the pipes leading from the main water distribution system to properties – are still a problem.
Cities are responsible for the removal of public lead service lines, but the homeowner may be responsible for replacing lead goosenecks and lead plumbing in their own home, or they may be able to apply for funding to cover these costs.
What does the future hold for lead pipe replacement in U.S. cities?
On launching the new initiative, President Biden’s vision was to achieve “100% lead-free water systems for all.”
So, the goal, and the intended eventual outcome, is for all lead pipes, fittings, fixtures and faucets across the U.S. to be removed and replaced with non-harmful materials.
The program is “working aggressively” to replace all lead service lines, with the aim of achieving success within a decade.
This should hopefully mean that lead from distribution systems is no longer a concern in our drinking water supplies, giving communities all over the country the peace of mind of knowing that their water is, at the very least, safe to drink.
