A decade after the Flint, Michigan water crisis, President Joe Biden is finalizing a 10-year deadline for cities across the U.S. to replace lead pipes, aiming to ensure safe drinking water for all Americans. The new rule, to be announced in Wisconsin, supplants a looser standard set by the previous administration and is a significant step towards addressing the dangers of lead in tap water.
Lead, a neurotoxin, can cause various health issues, especially in children, including behavioral problems and developmental delays. The stricter EPA standard aims to prevent low birthweight in infants and reduce premature deaths from heart disease.
The regulation requires water systems to maintain lead concentrations below 10 parts per billion, down from the current 15 parts per billion. If high lead levels are detected, public notification and actions to reduce exposure will be mandatory, along with lead pipe replacement efforts.
Lead pipes are most prevalent in older urban areas, impacting low-income communities disproportionately. To assist with compliance, the EPA is providing additional funding for drinking water infrastructure and grants to reduce lead exposure.
The 10-year timeframe for lead pipe replacement will begin in three years, allowing utilities time to prepare. Some cities with extensive lead pipe networks may receive extended deadlines to meet the new standard.
Removing lead pipes is crucial to prevent water contamination crises like the one in Flint. The EPA's efforts to replace lead pipes align with broader public health goals, including proposed standards for PFAS chemicals.
While the infrastructure law allocated funds for lead pipe replacement, the total cost remains a challenge. Additionally, cities face difficulties in locating lead pipes due to inaccurate records.
The new rule marks a significant step towards ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans, addressing a critical public health issue that has long been overlooked.
