In October, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a crucial final rule aimed at eliminating lead pipes from drinking water systems across the United States. This landmark policy comes just months after the EPA finalized the nation’s first-ever PFAS drinking water standard.
But with President-elect Trump’s second term looming on the horizon, some worry about the longevity of these rules; especially with Trump allies already attacking the EPA and clean water rules. It will be crucial for health and environment journalists to keep a close watch on how the incoming administration approaches drinking water regulations.
More about the new rule
Under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), water systems are required to identify and replace lead pipes within a decade. The new regulations also mandate enhanced testing of drinking water and lower action thresholds for communities to address lead exposure risks. Improved communication strategies are intended to help residents understand the dangers of lead in drinking water, the locations of lead pipes, and replacement plans.
This initiative is part of Biden’s commitment to ensure clean drinking water for all Americans, especially vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by lead exposure. To support this effort, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $2.6 billion in funding for drinking water infrastructure, accessible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This funding would primarily benefit disadvantaged communities, with nearly half allocated as grants or loan forgiveness. Additionally, $35 million in competitive grants will be available to further reduce lead in drinking water. There is extra federal funding available for lead pipe replacement projects, and the EPA has created a website that highlights these funding sources.
The timing of the rule makes it vulnerable to the Congressional Review Act. What’s more, Project 2025 “vows to make the Environmental Protection Agency more open to industry science, and to defund major research into toxic chemical exposure,” as Hiroko Tabuchi reported for The New York Times on Nov. 20.
Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, told Bloomberg Law in November that states are concerned about funding for their water regulation programs.
“How federal funding for states shakes out of the budget debate is anyone’s guess,” Roberson said.
Why the rule matters
Approximately 9 million homes in the U.S. still rely on legacy lead pipes, often in lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color, highlighting a significant public health challenge. The rule’s improvements are designed to protect these communities from the serious health risks associated with lead exposure, including neurological damage in children and various health issues in adults.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the urgency of this public health initiative, asserting that lead exposure has long-term detrimental effects, particularly for children. The economic and health benefits of the new rule are projected to outweigh costs by a factor of 13, further incentivizing water systems to accelerate lead pipe removal and create jobs in the process.
Pediatricians and public health experts have also expressed support, noting the significant risks posed by lead and the importance of the updated regulations.
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are designed to establish clear, actionable standards that many states and municipalities have already started implementing. Specific communities have already begun initiatives to replace lead pipes within the stipulated time frame.
For instance, Milwaukee plans to replace 65,000 lead pipes over 10 years, and Detroit is set to replace over 8,000 lead service lines per year moving forward. Other cities, including Erie and Denver, are also making significant strides toward eliminating lead pipes.
The health benefits of the LCRI would be substantial. Annually, it is expected to protect up to 900,000 infants from low birth weight, prevent approximately 2,600 cases of ADHD in children, and avert around 1,500 premature deaths from heart disease.
The EPA’s approach to addressing lead in drinking water includes a regulatory framework supported by federal funding and technical assistance for communities. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the benefits from federal investments reach disadvantaged communities.
The combination of regulatory measures, substantial funding, and community engagement is set to transform the landscape of drinking water safety in the United States. For further details, interested parties can visit the EPA’s dedicated webpage for the final rule.
Additional reporting
- Why the U.S. struggles to replace millions of lead pipes. ‘We’re just stuck.’ — The Washington Post.
- Two-thirds of Chicago kids under 6 exposed to lead in water, study estimates — The Washington Post.
- Research finds early exposure to lead pipes shortens lifespan — Wisconsin Public Radio.
- Causes and Effects of Lead in Water — Natural Resources Defence Council.
- EPA Gives Chicago Decades to Replace Lead Pipes, Leaving Communities at Risk — Inside Climate News.
