Billions Allocated to Eradicate Toxic Lead Water Pipes
The funding will go to state programs to identify and replace dangerous drinking water infrastructure nationwide.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $2.9 billion in funding to accelerate the removal of lead service lines from the nation’s drinking water systems.
The investment will flow directly to states through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Local communities can utilize the resources to identify lead pipes, plan removal projects and fund total service line replacements.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin that poses severe health risks, particularly to children, by impairing brain development and physical growth.
Federal officials said the distribution of the money relies on data tracking the locations of approximately 4 million remaining lead service lines across the country.
In addition to the primary funding, the agency is redistributing $18 million in unused water safety funds to states with the highest remaining needs for service line replacement, fulfilling a directive under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
The agency also updated its online resources to provide streamlined access to lead exposure prevention information for parents, contractors and health care professionals.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is Assistant Editor of EPOnline.com.
