"The administration says it aims to replace all of the lead pipes and service lines in the country, an effort that could cost up to $60 billion."
"WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday will announce its intention to propose stricter limits on the amount of lead allowable in drinking water and to begin replacing millions of lead pipes that snake throughout the country and pose a significant public health threat.
Lead is a neurotoxin that can damage the brain and kidneys and interfere with red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body. It poses particular dangers to children, whose nervous systems and brains are still developing. From the earliest days of municipal water systems, lead was commonly used in pipes, where it can leach into drinking water.
Today, as many as 10 million lead service lines deliver water to schools, offices, homes and day care centers throughout the country. By one industry estimate, it could cost as much as $60 billion to replace them all.
Congress approved just a fraction of that amount — $15 billion — for lead pipe replacement — as part of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law signed last month by President Biden."
Lisa Friedman reports for the New York Times December 16, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"States Say They Lack ‘Road Map’ to Spend Feds’ Lead Pipe Funds" (Bloomberg Environment)
"White House Lead-Eradication Plan Draws Praise And Questions" (E&E News)
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