Overview

• The Biden administration has proposed a plan to replace all lead water service pipes in the United States within the next decade, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Four states -- Florida, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania -- contain nearly 40% of all lead service lines in the U.S. at more than 3.63 million total.
• Exposure to lead can cause severe health issues in children and adults, including developmental delays, kidney damage and pregnancy complications.
• Chicago, with nearly 400,000 lead water pipes, the most of any city in the U.S., has been granted an exception to take 40 to 50 years to replace its pipes.
• Lead poisoning in adults is less common and often associated with workplace exposure, with potential effects including anemia, kidney problems, high blood pressure and reproductive health issues.