Source: Health Policy Institute of Ohio
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new requirement that would result in the removal of virtually all lead water pipes across the country, in an effort to prevent another public health catastrophe like the one in Flint, MI. (Source: “Biden Administration to Require Replacing of Lead Pipes Within 10 Years,” New York Times, November 30, 2023).
Under the recently released EPA proposal, utilities must eliminate lead pipes over the next 10 years at a pace of 10% each year. They would also be required to create inventories of all their lead pipes.
The proposal to remove nine million pipes across the country could cost as much as $30 billion but would nearly eliminate the neurotoxin from drinking water. While the rule would compel water utilities to bear the cost of the undertaking, it has a major loophole: It does not require them to pay for the replacement of the smaller portion of lead lines that are on private property.
The EPA estimates that its proposal would generate $9.8 billion to $34.8 billion in economic benefits each year, in the form of less cognitive impairment and fewer health disorders, especially in children.