EPA progress reports and state announcements

EPA Mandates Lead Pipe Replacement, Bipartisan Law Funds $15 Billion for Safe Drinking Water

Dec 16, 2024, 03:27 PM

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act, a landmark legislation signed into law to protect the nation's drinking water. Members of Congress have celebrated this milestone, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to public health and environmental protection. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has provided funding to replace toxic lead pipes, ensuring safer water supplies. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the health risks posed by lead contamination, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandating utilities to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The EPA estimates that up to 9 million homes could be affected by this rule change, with states like Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas facing significant challenges due to the prevalence of lead service lines.