EPA Mandates Lead Pipe Replacement in Next Decade, But Challenges Remain

New regulations aim to reduce lead exposure, but cities like Chicago may take over 40 years to fully comply due to the scale of the task.

The EPA has issued new regulations requiring most lead pipes delivering drinking water to be replaced within the next 10 years, affecting both public and private water distribution systems.
Communities with severe funding deficits and marginalized areas, like Flint, Michigan, will receive most of the additional funding allocated to locate and replace lead pipes.
New standards will reduce the allowable lead levels in drinking water from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion.
Despite the new regulations, cities like Chicago, which has the most lead water pipes in the U.S., may take more than 40 years to replace all lead pipes due to the scale of the task.
Experts recommend using water filters and regularly testing tap water for lead while waiting for lead pipe replacement.