EPA Announces Partnership with Village of South Holland to Accelerate Replacement of Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health

EPA Announces Partnership with Village of South Holland to Accelerate Replacement of Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public Health

Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, South Holland is joining communities across the country who are accelerating replacement of lead service lines

August 30, 2024

"President Biden's Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like South Holland across the country," said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. "EPA is using every tool available, including regulation, funding, and this technical assistance initiative, to get the lead out of the nation's drinking water once and for all."

"Access to clean, safe drinking water is not just a basic necessity; it is a fundamental human right," said Senator Dick Durbin. "Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law knowing how our communities, especially those in underserved areas, continue to live with the threat of lead contaminated drinking water. By partnering with EPA to identify and replace lead service lines, Illinois communities can eliminate this public health threat once and for all."

"Every American deserves access to clean, safe and reliable water, but all too often this neglect disproportionately affects historically underserved communities and communities of color," said Senator Tammy Duckworth. "Making sure all families have access to clean water is important to me, it's why I pushed to ensure my Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act and historic levels of funding for lead service line replacement were included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, I'm proud the Biden-Harris Administration's Get the Lead Out program is continuing to prioritize getting the lead out of pipes in Illinois communities like the Village of South Holland so we can help deliver clean water for all."

"Families, especially our children, need and deserve safe drinking water," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. "I'm proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and work with EPA to identify and remove lead water pipes. The investment toward South Holland's water infrastructure will have a huge impact in the community and ensure people's health and safety."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the EPA to address this important issue," said South Holland Mayor Don De Graff. "We share a common goal of 100% lead free, and the GLO Initiative is a strategic partnership to achieve that goal expeditiously."

Under the Get the Lead Out Initiative, EPA will support the village of South Holland in service line material identification (including hydrovacuum excavation at some locations), developing its lead service line replacement plan, increasing community outreach and education efforts, and applying for funding. As a result of these efforts, South Holland will move quickly towards the goal of 100% lead-free pipes.

EPA estimates that there are about 9 million lead service lines still in use across the country. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request formon EPA's WaterTA website.

Background:

Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Lawprovided a historic $50 billion investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 billion to replacing lead service lines and another $11.7 billion to the General Supplemental Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access their fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) programs, such as the Get the Lead Out Initiative.

As part of the Administration's whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe replacement. Through the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will develop tools and case studies to share information and best practices between the agency, state and Tribal programs, water system managers, and community leaders.