The final rule aims not only to eliminate lead pipes but also to improve communication within communities regarding the risks of lead in drinking water and the steps being taken to replace affected pipes. This transparency is crucial for public awareness and safety.
EPA Drinking-Water Pipe : Funding for Lead Pipe Replacement
Alongside the finalized rule, the EPA announced $2.6 billion in additional funding for drinking-water infrastructure. This funding, available through state revolving funds, will directly support lead pipe replacement efforts. Notably, 49% of this funding will be allocated to disadvantaged communities as grants or loan forgiveness, ensuring that low-income areas benefit from these upgrades.
Moreover, the EPA has allocated $35 million in competitive grants to further reduce lead contamination in drinking water, signaling the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all communities, especially those disproportionately affected.
EPA Drinking-Water Pipe : Longstanding Issue of Lead Exposure
The EPA estimates that up to 9 million homes still use lead drinking-water pipes, with many of these homes located in lower-income communities and communities of color. This has resulted in a disproportionate burden of lead exposure for these populations. The new rule is expected to significantly reduce these disparities.
Strengthening Existing Regulations
The finalized rule builds on the original Lead and Copper Rule, first introduced in 1991 and revised most recently in 2021. The latest improvements were initially proposed in November 2023 and are designed to enhance protections and expand the scope of the EPA’s regulatory framework on lead.
