United States: On Tuesday, the Biden administration formally adopted a rule for water utilities that will mean virtually every lead pipe in the country is replaced within ten years, addressing a significant risk that poses grave danger to infants and children.
The White House’s plan to service racial injustice and environmental concerns across the United States has included eradicating every lead pipe within 10 years, as reported by Reuters.
A Commitment to Health and Justice
“We’ve known for decades that lead exposure has serious long-term impacts on children’s health. And yet, millions of lead service lines are still delivering drinking water to homes,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “President Biden is putting an end to this generational public health problem.
Biden is set to go to Wisconsin to promote the new policy, which is widely regarded as popular in the industrial Midwestern states that would be critical in determining the winner of the presidential election next month.
Promoting the Policy in Key States
As for other Democratic candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris, who participated in the November elections, has also demanded the replacement of lead pipes, which seem critical for underserved communities.
Strengthening Water Infrastructure
The rule, piloted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2023, sets the toughest guidelines for lead in drinking water in federal guideline history and requires water utilities to assess their systems and retrofit them in the following 10 years.
The Infrastructure Law signed in November 2021 contained $64 billion to improve drinking water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the country; $15 billion over five years is set aside for the removal of lead service lines, as reported by Reuters.
The Dangers of Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning results in severe brain and nervous system damage and has unique risks for babies and young children. Introductive pipes which transport water into homes are the main cause of lead exposure.