Kaptur, EPA Announce Partnership with City of Sandusky, to Accelerate Replacement of Local Lead Water Pipes and Protect Public HealthPress ReleaseJobs and the EconomyHealth Care

Toledo, OH - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and the US Environmental Protection Agency announced a collaboration with the City of Sandusky, Ohio, to help identify drinking water lead pipes, accelerate replacement and protect public health. The City of Sandusky is participating in EPA's Get the Lead Out Initiative, a program funded entirely by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help move the nation towards achieving 100% lead service line replacement. The Get the Lead Out Initiative will provide technical assistance to approximately 200 communities nationwide.

Lead in drinking water can cause serious health impacts, including irreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 Billion to replace lead pipes and deliver clean water. However, many underserved communities lack the resources to plan for lead pipe replacement and access federal investments. The technical assistance provided through the Get the Lead Out initiative will help ensure that no community is left behind in the opportunity to replace lead pipes.

"Glad to see vital funds from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law returning home to the people of Sandusky and Erie County. As we deliberated this legislation in Congress, I made sure to fight for dedicated funding for lead pipe remediation to improve health and safety for our citizenry," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "The Get the Lead Out Initiative is a realization of the promise to ensure that every American, no matter where they live, has access to clean, safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water. I will never stop fighting to ensure that all citizens across Northwest Ohio can trust the water from their tap."

"We appreciate the EPA's partnership and support through the Get the Lead Out Initiative, enabling us to take significant steps towards a healthier, safer Sandusky," said City of Sandusky Manager John Orzech.

"President Biden's Investing in America agenda is driving historic levels of funding to replace lead service lines in communities like Sandusky 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."

Under the Get the Lead Out initiative, EPA will support the City of Sandusky with some critical first steps to lead pipe replacement including identifying lead pipes and educating the public about lead pipes. As a result, Sandusky is moving quickly to secure a lead-free future for all its residents. As a result of these efforts, the City of Sandusky will move quickly towards President Biden's goal of 100% lead-free pipes.

Under the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, all public water utilities are required to prepare and maintain an inventory of service line materials by October 16, 2024, or sooner if required by the state agency. Communities wishing to receive assistance with lead service line replacement can request assistance by completing the WaterTA request form on EPA's WaterTA website.

Background:

Signed in 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided a historic $50 Billion investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicating more than $15 Billion to replacing lead service lines. EPA is committed to ensuring every community, particularly underserved and disadvantaged communities, can access its fair share of this unprecedented investment through a robust portfolio of water technical assistance programs, such as the Get the Lead Out initiative.

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government effort to tackle lead exposure, EPA will help communities remove the barriers to lead pipe removal. The EPA is advancing the Justice40 Initiative to ensure that disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution are protected. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families.

EPA is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for community and state support through peer exchange and learning. 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.

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