
The Biden administration is demanding U.S. cities replace lead water pipes within a decade, raising critical safety and funding challenges.
At a Glance
- Biden sets a 10-year deadline for lead pipe replacement.
- Lead poses severe health risks, necessitating urgent action.
- The EPA’s new rule is the most robust in decades, expecting high costs.
- Significant funding is available, but more is needed for completion.
The Call for Change
President Joe Biden mandated that all U.S. cities replace lead water pipes within a 10-year timeframe, starting three years from now, to safeguard drinking water. This move replaces the prior administration’s standards with a new universal replacement requirement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Biden decried the existence of over 9 million lead pipes as something worthy of shame. The new rule represents the most substantial overhaul of lead-in-water standards in 30 years, aiming to mitigate exposure and protect public health.
The new regulation targets a reduction in lead concentration action levels from 15 to 10 parts per billion, potentially preventing up to 900,000 low birthweight cases and 1,500 premature deaths per year. Over $2.6 billion is earmarked for drinking water infrastructure, with an additional $35 million in grants available for lead reduction efforts. Yet, the infrastructure law’s $15 billion allocation for lead pipe replacement is only a fraction of the total projected costs.
Health Impacts and Ambitions
Lead, a neurotoxin, poses severe health risks, including brain damage and behavioral problems. As part of the initiative, the Biden-Harris administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan commits to eliminating all lead pipes over the next decade. This crucial part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law focuses on clean water access and addressing lead paint hazards. Remarkably, up to 10 million households and 400,000 schools and child care facilities face lead pipe risks.
“EPA’s action today is a leap forward in protecting the health of tens of millions of Americans from this scourge,” Erik Olson of the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council said.
The plan outlines over 15 actions involving more than 10 federal agencies and emphasizes collaboration among local, state, and federal partners. Support is prioritized for disadvantaged communities disproportionately impacted by lead poisoning, aiming to foster job creation and health equity.
Since President Biden took office, our Administration has helped replace over 367,000 lead pipes across the country.
And we’re continuing to invest so every American can turn on their tap and drink clean water. pic.twitter.com/CXYPS26nb8
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 8, 2024
Challenges and Opposition
Amidst the support, challenges persist as the American Water Works Association notes the economic strain the rule may impose, potentially raising water bills. Fifteen Republican attorneys general criticize the measure as impractical and severely underfunded, highlighting the tension between policy goals and practical implementation.
Still, supporters view the move as an important step for protecting the public. “Folks, what is a government for if it cannot protect the public health?” Biden asked.
The Treasury Department’s guidance that $350 billion from the American Rescue Plan can be used for lead line replacements provides some hope. However, with nearly half the federal funds intended for vulnerable communities, the problem’s scope and urgency demand continued attention and substantial investment to meet the administration’s ambitious goals.
Sources
- Biden sets 10-year deadline for US cities to replace lead pipes nationwide
- Biden Requires Lead Drinking-Water Pipes to be Replaced Nationwide