10/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 16:59
New final regulations and new funding under the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda
October 9, 2024
SEATTLE - Today, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. This final rule is part of the President's commitment to replace every lead pipe in the country within a decade, making sure that all communities can turn on the tap and drink clean water.
Alongside the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, EPA is announcing $24,898,000 in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding for Idaho through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
This funding will flow through the drinking water state revolving funds and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid.
EPA is also announcing the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. Additional federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects and EPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.
"We know no amount of lead is safe to consume. And when lead service lines are present, they pose the greatest risk of lead exposure in drinking water," saidEPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. "The historic funding available from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, alongside the new protective measures resulting from this rule, provide water systems with the resources and tools to help ensure the safety of drinking water for future generations."
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements will help protect millions of Americans from exposure to lead in drinking water. EPA estimates that on average, every year after the LCRI is issued it will:
Investments in identifying lead pipes, planning for their removal, and replacing them will create jobs in local communities while strengthening the foundation of safe drinking water that supports economic opportunity.
For more information about the final rule, including a pre-publication version of the federal register notice and fact sheets, visit the rule webpage.
Background
EPA is taking a comprehensive approach to getting the lead out, including:
Practical Implementation Tools: Through training, tools, webinars, and case studies, EPA provides support to drinking water systems to reduce lead exposure.