EPA to Strengthen Lead Protections in Drinking Water; Utilities Required to Replace Harmful Lead Pipes

New Regulation Seeks to Mitigate the Public Health Impact of Lead Exposure and Prevent Future Crises Following Numerous Instances of Contaminated Water in Cities like Flint and Newark

• The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is orchestrating changes aimed at reducing lead levels in drinking water, a significant source of lead exposure for an estimated 500,000 American children.
• Under the new regulations, utilities will be required to actively replace harmful lead pipes. This proposal aligns with President Joe Biden's call to eliminate the nation's estimated 9.2 million lead pipes.
• The cost associated with replacing lead pipes is high, often falling to homeowners to pay for the replacement of pipes on their property. Despite this, specialists argue the widespread health benefits justify the expense.
• Lead exposure in children can significantly lower intelligence levels, disrupt learning ability, and cause behavioral issues. Federal officials state that there is no safe level of lead for children.
• The revised regulations will be enacted alongside wider governmental efforts to limit lead exposure. These include announcements about dangers in aviation fuel and proposed stricter limits on dust from lead paint.

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