EPA Proposes Strict New Rules to Replace Lead Pipes Within 10 Years

The Biden administration's plan aims to reduce lead in drinking water, marking the strongest overhaul of lead rules in over three decades.

The Biden administration has proposed strict new rules that would require most U.S. cities to replace lead water pipes within 10 years.
The proposal, called the lead and copper rule improvements, would for the first time require utilities to replace lead pipes even if their lead levels aren’t too high.
The push to reduce lead in tap water is part of a broader federal effort to combat lead exposure that includes proposed stricter limits on dust from lead-based paint in older homes and child-care facilities and a goal to eliminate lead in aviation fuel.
The EPA announced it wants to lower the level of lead at which utilities are forced to take action and is pushing cities to do a better job informing the public when elevated lead levels are found.
The 2021 infrastructure law included $15 billion to find and replace lead pipes, but more will be needed. Additional federal funds are available to improve water infrastructure and the EPA is providing smaller communities with extra help.