Biden Pushes for Swift Action: 10-Year Countdown to Eliminate Lead Pipes in US Cities

In a pivotal announcement, President Joe Biden set a 10-year deadline for cities to eliminate lead pipes from drinking water, reigniting a national conversation on public health. This move follows a decade of concern sparked by the Flint, Michigan water crisis, where lead contamination raised alarms about the safety of tap water. Biden revealed the finalized Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule during an event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, emphasizing the need for stronger protections as elections approach.

“What is a government for if it cannot protect public health?” Biden questioned, addressing union members in a city notably affected by lead pipe infrastructure. Milwaukee has the fifth-highest concentration of lead pipes in the U.S., which Biden termed shameful. Current estimates indicate that over 9 million lead pipes are still in circulation, despite longstanding awareness of their dangers.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan highlighted ongoing efforts in cities to expedite the removal of lead pipes. Federal infrastructure funds are being deployed to accelerate this transition, reducing the replacement timeline from an initial estimate of 60 years to a decade. “Everyone wants this lead out,” he stated, underlining the consensus on the need for immediate action.

The updated rule represents the most significant revision of lead-in-water standards in nearly 30 years. Lead is recognized as a neurotoxin that can inflict severe health consequences, including developmental impairments in children and increased blood pressure in adults. The new standard aims to prevent the burgeoning health crisis it has historically caused.

Under the new regulations, water systems must ensure lead levels do not exceed 10 parts per billion, a reduction from the previous limit of 15. Should lead concentrations remain high, authorities are required to inform the public and implement measures to mitigate health risks. The infrastructure law also allocates an additional $2.6 billion for drinking water improvements, alongside $35 million in competitive grants aimed at reducing lead exposure.

Despite these measures, challenges loom large. The 10-year replacement schedule will officially kick in three years from now, allowing utilities crucial preparation time. Many older urban areas, where lead pipes are prevalent, face significant obstacles in meeting the new requirements.

Regan noted that the revised rules come amid broader initiatives targeting “forever chemicals” like PFAS, signaling a comprehensive approach to public water safety. However, financial hurdles remain. The American Water Works Association recognized the EPA’s objectives but cautioned that the removal process could strain budgets, likely leading to increased water bills for consumers.

Critics, including 15 Republican attorneys general, labeled the new rule as impractical and underfunded. They expressed concerns particularly over potential financial burdens placed on homeowners required to replace pipes on their property. While some federal assistance is anticipated, local utilities ultimately will make the cost decisions.

A remaining challenge lies in accurately identifying the locations of lead pipes. Initial inventories from various municipalities are expected soon, yet many lack precise data on the materials comprising their systems. Eric Schwartz of BlueConduit, an organization aiding cities in the discovery process, noted, “The delay means that more people are living with lead for longer.”

Despite opposition, officials believe that the health benefits of eliminating lead from drinking water vastly outweigh the costs involved. Biden emphasized a commitment to transforming water safety and ensuring that lead contamination becomes a relic of the past.